Mumbai, we have a problem.
According to a new study, India's air pollution levels have reached unprecedented highs in 2022. The study, which was conducted by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, found that the air quality in Mumbai was worse than smog-filled Beijing.
The findings are worrying, to say the least. The levels of PM2.5—tiny particles that can cause health problems when inhaled—were found to be much higher than the levels recommended by the World Health Organization.
If these findings are anything to go by, we need to do something about India's air pollution crisis now.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India.
According to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) released by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, India's air pollution levels have reached unprecedented highs.
The AQI is a composite index that rates air quality on a scale of 0 to 500, with 500 being the worst possible score. In Mumbai, the average AQI for the year 2022 was at an alarming 466—higher than the levels recorded in Delhi during the notorious Smog crisis of 2017.
This is a major cause for concern, as high levels of air pollution have been linked to a wide range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease and asthma. What's more, living in an area with high levels of air pollution can also take a toll on your mental health.
How Is Air Pollution Measured in India?
The air quality in Mumbai is measured by the amount of Particulate Matter (PM) in the air.
PM is divided into two categories, PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 is made up of particles that are 10 micrometers or less in size, while PM2.5 is made up of particles that are 2.5 micrometers or less in size.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) measures the level of PM10 and PM2.5 in the air at 38 different locations in Mumbai.
What Is the Cause of Air Pollution in India?
The root of the problem is the way Indians are burning coal to heat their homes during the winter.
This is a huge issue because it's a short-term solution that has long-term consequences. Not only is the air polluted, but the particulate matter in the air is also making people sick. In fact, the levels of air pollution in Mumbai are now worse than those in Beijing, which is infamous for its smoggy skies.
The Negative Effects of Air Pollution in India.
While air pollution is a problem the world over, it's particularly bad in India. In fact, the air in India's Mumbai is now worse than smog-filled Beijing. And this is having a serious impact on the health of the people who live there.
Studies have shown that air pollution can cause a range of health problems, from respiratory infections to heart disease. In India, it's estimated that air pollution is responsible for 1.2 million deaths each year.
And it's not just the people who are suffering. Air pollution is also taking a toll on the economy, costing India an estimated $560 billion each year in lost productivity and healthcare costs.
What Efforts Are Being Made to Combat Air Pollution in India?
The Indian government has been taking steps to try to combat the air pollution problem in the country. In January of 2020, the government announced a scheme to switch to cleaner burning fuels, including natural gas, in order to try to improve air quality.
The government has also been working on a plan to electrify all of the country's vehicles by 2030. This is a huge undertaking, but it's one that's necessary if India wants to get serious about cleaning up its air.
In addition to these larger initiatives, there are also efforts being made on a smaller scale. For example, some schools in Mumbai have started using air purifiers in their classrooms. And while this might not seem like much, it's a step in the right direction.
What Is the Long-Term Outlook for India's Air Quality?
The long-term outlook for India's air quality is not good. The country's air pollution levels are expected to continue to rise in the coming years, reaching unprecedented highs by 2022.
This is largely due to the growing number of cars on the roads and the increase in industrial activity. The government is taking some steps to try and improve the situation, but it is unlikely that these will be enough to make a significant difference.
So what does this mean for the people of India? Unfortunately, it means that they will have to continue to endure high levels of air pollution, which can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and cancer.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, it is evident that the air quality in Mumbai is gradually deteriorating with each year. The current state of the air is hazardous, and it is only going to get worse in the coming years. It is important for the citizens of Mumbai to be aware of the air quality and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution.