On Monday, air quality at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai's planned commercial hub, was far worse than several places in Delhi, raising concerns over the health of thousands of people who visit the area daily.
Experts from System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said air quality in BKC is always in the "very poor" category. The PM 2.5 levels in the city's commercial hub were always very high, SAFAR said.
The PM 2.5 levels of BKC on Monday was 348, as against an over AQI of Mumbai which was 212. Compared to this, several areas of Delhi witnessed better air quality. Pitampura (301), Delhi University (306), Chandni Chowk (312) and Mathura Road (313) all witnessed better air than BKC. Even the overall AQI of Delhi, at 283, was better than BKC's.
SAFAR measures air quality index (AQI) at 10 stations in Mumbai and three other cities, including Delhi. PM 2.5 is the smallest size pollutant that's known to cause respiratory illnesses. It worsens the health condition of those suffering from ailments like asthma and bronchitis and longer exposure to it is known to cause respiratory illnesses.
The SAFAR experts attributed the high levels of PM 2.5 in BKC to the rampant construction activity and a lack of control measures to combat dust pollution. "Moreover, one must also understand that BKC lies close to Dharavi and Kurla and other slum areas along the Mithi river. The suspended particles rising from the burning of bio-fuel in these areas only worsens the deteriorating air quality," said an air official from SAFAR, adding that vehicular pollution is also getting worse.
The lower air temperatures also play a role, SAFAR said, explaining that cooler temperatures spike AQI in vulnerable areas like Andheri and BKC since particulate pollutants get trapped in the moisture and remain suspended in the air.
Another senior official working with a government body said a visit to BKC is self-explanatory to understand the high PM 2.5 levels. "There is ongoing construction work at a few places, but none of the buildings adhere to recommended rules to stop dust from spreading. Also, at most places, exotic trees like bottle palms have been planted, which do not help reducing dust pollution," he said, adding that it's strange that the pollution body too has been ignoring the high PM 2.5 levels at BKC instead of figuring out reasons and solutions.
