The city’s air quality has taken a sharp hit with the drop in temperatures, pushing pollution levels into the “poor” and “very poor” categories. In the early hours, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several areas crossed the 250 mark, posing direct health risks to citizens.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, Civil Lines recorded the worst air quality with an AQI of 261, followed closely by Mahal at 258. Ramnagar (247) and Ambazari (217) also reported worrying pollution levels. Experts say the combination of cold air, stagnant wind flow, and suspended dust particles is contributing to the spike in pollution.
Visibility across the city dropped due to smog formation.
Environmentalist Leena Buddhe explained that smog intensifies when vehicle emissions mix with fog and cold air, trapping pollutants close to the ground. “This situation is most dangerous at dawn because pollutants do not disperse easily,” she said. She advised morning walkers to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, wear masks, and urged vulnerable groups — including asthma patients, senior citizens and children — to take extra precautions.
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s regional officer Hema Deshpande added that winter inversion is a key factor. “Warm air fails to rise, while dust and pollutants settle and mix with cold air near the surface. This leads to higher pollution levels during early mornings,” she said.
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