Mumbai's air quality improved slightly today, to the 'poor' category, after six consecutive days of recording 'very poor' quality. Mumbai recorded an Air Quality Index of 287 on Friday, a slight improvement from 319 (very poor) on Friday. Air quality in the financial capital in January hasn't been this bad in the last eight years, data shows.
The toxic air has caused respiratory issues for many, with some even falling ill.
Hospitals have reported a 50-60% increase in patients suffering from shortness of breath and prolonged cough. Mumbai recorded very poor air quality for 10 of the last 20 days this month. Chembur and Navi Mumbai are the worst hit.
According to SAFAR, a government agency that monitors air quality in major Indian cities, Mumbai usually sees a "moderate" to "poor" AQI during the winter months.
However, for the first time, the city has seen a long period of "poor" to "very poor" AQI.
Mumbai's AQI was, in fact, worse than Delhi for a week in mid-December.
Experts say a combination of factors like metro construction, repair of roads, falling temperature, and increasing number of vehicles have caused the deterioration in air quality.
Featured Video Of The Day
Russia-Ukraine War: 1,000 Days On | India Global Special Broadcast | NDTV World
Dense Smog Covers Delhi, Mumbai As Air Quality Worsens How To Manage Lung Health: Preventive Care For Polluted Times Mumbai's Air Quality Has Improved But Not Satisfactory: High Court Russia's Firing Of ICBM On Ukraine Is Weapon's 1st Combat Use In History Amazon Employee Greets Friend At Wedding, Dies Of Cardiac Arrest This Asian City Is Emerging As Sex Tourism Hub. It's Not Where You Think South Korea Court Jails Ex-Fiance Of Olympic Medalist For 13 Years Trump Pick Matt Gaetz Withdraws As Nominee For US Attorney General Maharashtra Chief Minister Pick Contentious For Both Ruling, Opposition Camps Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.