Mumbai: The air pollution levels in the city remained in the "poor" category for the second day in a row with no immediate relief in view as the fire at the dump, which observers blamed for the worsening pollution, aggravated on Monday evening. At Chembur, close to the Deonar dump, the pollution levels were in the "very poor" category.
In a direct corollary, health problems spiked. Sunita Ray (name changed) of Chembur struggled with her allergic reactions on Monday. "I kept sniffling and couldn't breathe easily," she said, adding that she fears her condition might worsen as it had during the last major fire at the dump in January.
As a result of the very poor quality of air, people are being advised to avoid outdoor activity and wear pollution masks if there is breathing difficulty. At Chembur, the air quality index (AQI or concentration of particulate matter 2.5) was 301 on Monday evening and is predicted to be 300 on Tuesday. The standard is 60.
According to the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the city's AQI — an average from 10 locations — put the levels at 230 on Monday morning. It improved marginally to 222 in the evening. In comparison, Delhi recorded a "moderate" 124 due to showers over the last 48 hours.
"Air quality across Mumbai has deteriorated as compared to last week and the Deonar fire has acted as an additional source for rising pollutants," said Neha Parkhi, senior programme manager, SAFAR. The predicted AQI for Tuesday is 227. Among the most polluted areas were Chembur, Andheri and BandraKurla Complex (BKC).
In neighbouringNavi Mumbai, the AQI on Sunday was 259. Breathlessness and burning sensation of the eyes were too common complaints. "I usually refrain from using the air conditioning system as one of the benefits of residing in a highrise is access to fresh air. But on Sunday, I had to keep the AC running to avoid inhaling polluted air," said Sandeep Bangia, a resident of the NRI complex in Nerul.
"I woke up with a choking feeling as there was a lot of smoke early in the morning," said Chembur resident PritiGopalkrishnan. She wondered, in fact, if there was a fire within the complex. "Buildings in Chembur are barely 20 feet apart, but we couldn't see the next building this morning."
Chest specialist Dr VikasOswal, who has a clinic in Govandi, said he had witnessed a 40% rise in the number of patients coming to his clinic during the last big fire. "Patients with sensitive airways have it tough and, if the smoke levels continue to be as high tomorrow (Tuesday) as they were on Monday, many patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) or asthma will need attention."
Worried over authorities not taking adequate steps to prevent fire mishaps, residents of Navi Mumbai are collaborating with those of Chembur in online petitions addressed to Supreme Court. They want the BMC be made responsible for infringing on the fundamental right of clean air.
