Archive · 25 Nov 2025
Mumbai and Pune Face Severe Air Pollution
Mumbai and Pune are experiencing very bad air quality.
In Mumbai, the air quality index (AQI) is very high, especially in areas like Mazgaon and Deonar.
This is caused by things like construction dust, car emissions, and factories.
The city government is thinking about strict rules to reduce pollution, like stopping construction and fining people for burning garbage.
In Pune, traffic police and gig workers are especially affected by the pollution, which can make their eyes water and cause breathing problems.
Doctors say that people who are outside a lot should wear masks to protect themselves.
The bad air is expected to last a few more days because of light winds and cool nights.
Experts say this pollution can make people sick, especially children and older adults.
Mumbai's AQI reached 239-300+ in worst-hit areas, with thick haze and dust reducing visibility.
The BMC has started GRAP IV measures, including water misting, deep cleaning, and actions against polluting bakeries and construction sites.
Primary pollutants identified are PM2.5 and PM10, with major contributors being construction, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and volcanic ash.
Health advisories warn of elevated risks for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, with traffic police and gig workers facing long-term exposure.
Meteorological conditions, including light winds, temperature inversions, and volcanic ash, are expected to persist for 48-72 hours, worsening air quality.
- Who
- Residents, traffic police, gig workers, and cab drivers in Mumbai and Pune
- What
- Severe air pollution leading to health risks and potential GRAP-4 measures
- When
- Tuesday, November 24, 2025, with expectations of continued poor conditions for 48-72 hours in Mumbai; persistent in Pune
- Where
- Mumbai and Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Why
- High PM2.5 and PM10 levels due to construction, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and meteorological conditions
- AQI Levels
- 239-300+ in worst-hit areas of Mumbai, 'moderate' in Pune
- Worst-Affected Areas
- Mazgaon, Deonar, Chakala, central and eastern suburbs in Mumbai; busy intersections in Pune
- Primary Pollutants
- PM2.5 and PM10
- Potential Measures
- Construction bans, targeted pollution controls, water misting, deep cleaning, fines for open burning
- Health Risks
- Elevated risks for children, elderly, and those with respiratory issues; ocular surface disorders, throat irritation, and respiratory problems for traffic police and gig workers
- Meteorological Conditions
- Cooler nights, light winds, temperature inversions, volcanic ash
- Duration of Poor Dispersion
- 48-72 hours in Mumbai, persistent in Pune
- Occupational Impact
- Traffic police, gig workers, and cab drivers face long-term exposure to air pollution
Sources
Smog Engulfs Mumbai As Air Quality Worsens, Civic Body Plans GRAP-4 Measures
Mumbai’s air turns hazardous as AQI worsens across key areas
Mumbai Air Pollution: AQI Above 200 In Several Areas As Haze, Dust And Volcanic Ash Cut Visibility; BMC Plans To Impose ₹5,000 Penalty For Open Burning