Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Mumbai's Air Quality Deteriorates to Severe Levels
Mumbai woke up to sunny skies on January 21, 2026, but soon a thick layer of smog covered the city, making it hard to see.
The air quality became very bad, reaching a level of 303, which is considered severe.
This is much worse than the previous day's level of 224.
The main reasons for this bad air are the dust from construction work and the smoke from vehicles.
Some areas like Shell Colony and Wadala East had even worse air quality, with levels close to 400.
People were advised to stay inside as much as possible to avoid breathing in the bad air.
The weather was expected to be clear, but the smog made it difficult for people to go about their day.
Mumbai's AQI jumped to 303, classified as severe, from 224 the previous day.
Thick smog reduced visibility and covered parts of the city in the morning.
Primary sources of pollution include construction dust and vehicle emissions.
Shell Colony and Wadala East recorded the highest AQI levels at 398 and 395 respectively.
Residents were advised to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure due to health risks.
- Who
- Mumbai residents, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), AQI.in
- What
- Deterioration of air quality to severe levels
- When
- January 21, 2026
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- Increased construction dust and vehicle emissions
- AQI Range
- 303 (severe)
- Temperature Range
- 19°C to 31°C
- Highest AQI Areas
- Shell Colony (398), Wadala East (395)
- Lowest AQI Areas
- Vidya Nagar (60), Gamdevi Station 1 (123)
- Primary Pollution Sources
- Construction dust, vehicle emissions
Sources
Not impressed with ‘moderate’ air quality index in Mumbai, says HC
662 construction sites lack AQI sensors in Mumbai, BMC tells Bombay High Court
Mumbai Weather Update For Jan 21, 2026: City Wakes Up To Sunny Skies With Thick Layer Of Smog; AQI Jumps To Severe Category At 303
Vehicular Pollution Highest Contributor to Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR: CAQM tells SC
