Mumbai woke up to hazy skies on Thursday as air quality levels deteriorated across several parts of the city, raising fresh health concerns for residents. According to data from the Sameer App, the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings on Thursday morning stood at 182, nearing the ‘poor’ category.
With AQI levels continuing to rise over the past few days, temperatures have shown little change from last week, keeping weather conditions persistently on the warmer side.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Mumbai’s AQI over the past 24 hours remained in the ‘moderate’ category, with levels hovering close to the 200 mark.
With conditions expected to get even worse in the coming few days, it can be a major reason for adverse health effects, especially for sensitive groups.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Targets BJP
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday mounted a sharp attack on the BJP-led governments over Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality and alleged neglect of environmental concerns.
In a post on X, Thackeray said that as Mumbai’s AQI continues to worsen, the city is now competing with Delhi in what he termed a “terrible AQI" race, while governments “from top to bottom, currently controlled by the BJP and its allies," were conveniently ignoring the plight of citizens.
He alleged that builders and contractors have been prioritised over public health, with construction, demolition activities and tree felling being carried out in the name of development.
Thackeray further claimed that the BJP government was planning to “de-regularise" Sanjay Gandhi National Park and open it up for development, which he said would benefit builders. He also accused the government of hatching a similar plan in Nashik, where he said the Tapovan forest—known for its spiritual and natural significance—was being destroyed.
He claimed that the Tapovan area would be handed over to the Adani Group after the forest is cleared and the Kumbh event concludes. He described the situation as heartbreaking, especially with several Indian cities featuring in the list of the most polluted cities.
Calling it shameful, Thackeray alleged that BJP governments care only about builders and contractors and not citizens. He also questioned the intent behind holding Mumbai Climate Week under the current regime, asking how it would be conducted in “good faith" while, he claimed, the environment is being destroyed.
Mumbai’s Weather
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Mumbai will likely experience clear skies with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 34 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius.
As per the to IMD Mumbai’s local weather observations, Colaba recorded a minimum temperature of 23.9 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz logged 22.0 degrees Celsius—both noticeably higher than the minimum temperatures recorded last week.
Apart from Mumbai, other parts of Maharashtra continue to experience the winter with a significant drop in temperatures since last week.
Ratnagiri reported a minimum temperature of 21.5 degrees Celsius with 65 per cent humidity.
The minimum temperature dipped to 14.6 degrees Celsius in Pune with 80 per cent humidity. On the other hand, Dahanu recorded a low of 21.2 degrees Celsius with 90 per cent humidity.
Mahabaleshwar, meanwhile, remained among the coolest locations in the region, registering a minimum temperature of 14.1 degrees Celsius.
Source: News18