Air quality in several parts of Mumbai has significantly deteriorated, dropping to unhealthy levels and raising serious concerns about public health. Many areas are now classified under the “very poor” air quality index (AQI), prompting experts and environmental advocates to sound the alarm. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) SAMEER app, Mumbai’s overall AQI stood at 121 on Monday and slightly improved to 115 on Tuesday, which falls under the 'moderate' category. However, several parts of the city have recorded AQI levels in the ‘poor’ category, signalling worsening air conditions.

This change in the air quality over the past few days is attributed to the dry weather and moisture-laden winds carrying stagnant pollutants. At Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the AQI for particulate matter (PM 2.5) was recorded at 112 on October 2, but by Tuesday, it had worsened dramatically, fluctuating between 187 and 231. This steep decline indicates a rapid deterioration in air quality. Meanwhile, Shivaji Nagar in Govandi recorded the city's highest AQI values on Tuesday, ranging from 266 to 269, marking it as the worst affected area. Just a day earlier, on Monday, Shivaji Nagar and BKC had registered AQI readings of 133 and 115, respectively.