According to System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Mumbai’s air quality has suffered greatly in the aftermath of Diwali, slipping to 316 levels that is marked as ‘very poor’ on the air quality index (AQI) on Friday.
The primary cause for the drop in air quality seems to be a consequence of cracker-bursting, which was accompanied with a sudden change in weather patterns. The levels changed from 176 (moderate air quality) in the early hours of the morning and 12 hours later, it stood at 204.
However, the same reports suggest that despite the dip, the air quality levels have been better in Mumbai this year in comparison to the past two. In 2016, the AQI was 278 (poor) on Diwali and 315 (very poor) the day after. In 2015, it was 279 (poor) on Diwali and 313 (very poor) the next day.
The areas around Colaba and Bhandup reported of clearer air quality by the end of the night, but suburban spaces such as Andheri and Borivali were noticeably smokey by night and foggy by the morning. Citizens with respiratory problems such as asthma etc. have been advised to not stay outdoors for too long or to at least take along the necessary devices – masks, inhalers – as required.
According to SAFAR’s reports, Mumbai will in all likelihood experience the poor levels of air quality until the weekend, till the dissemination of the smoke and the change in the weather patterns, for the better. Come Monday, it will get easier to breathe in fresh air again.
Source: SAFAR reports
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