Navi Mumbai [India], November 9: Air pollution concerns have increased across Navi Mumbai following extensive firecracker celebrations during Diwali and Lakshmi Pujan. Thick haze and smoke were reported in parts of the city, while some air quality monitoring applications displayed alarming readings, with the AQI reportedly touching around 441 during the early hours of Monday.
The sudden rise in pollution levels has raised concerns among residents about the impact of firecracker emissions on respiratory health. However, the reported figure of around 450 should be treated cautiously, as it has not been established as the official citywide AQI recorded by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).
AQI Crosses 400 on Some Mobile Applications
Air quality information displayed on third-party applications indicated a sharp deterioration in Navi Mumbai during the night following Diwali celebrations. One online air quality tracker showed an AQI reading of 441 around 12:10 am on November 9, placing the air quality in its hazardous category.
However, the same tracker displayed a reading of 168 by 10:50 am, indicating a considerable change in the reported air quality. Such readings can vary depending on the monitoring source, location, time and AQI calculation method.
This difference highlights why mobile application readings should not automatically be treated as official citywide measurements.
Official Monitoring Stations Record Elevated Pollution in Several Areas
Data available through the Mumbai Air Quality Early Warning System, which displays monitoring information from MPCB and other stations, showed elevated readings at several Navi Mumbai locations at 10 am on November 9.
The station-wise readings included:
- CBD Belapur – 232
- Nerul – 214
- Kopripada-Vashi – 200
- Sanpada – 190
- Mahape – 149
- Kalamboli – 88
These readings indicate that air quality conditions were not uniform across the city. Some locations recorded significantly higher pollution levels than others.
The readings are station-specific and time-specific, and should not be interpreted as a single average AQI for the entire Navi Mumbai region.
Mumbai Also Witnesses Sharp Pollution Spikes After Diwali
The impact of firecracker celebrations was also visible in several parts of Mumbai. Monitoring data reported by local media showed sharp overnight pollution spikes at locations including Navy Nagar, Sewri, Ghatkopar and Chembur.
Navy Nagar reportedly recorded an AQI of 497 during the early hours, while Sewri also witnessed a reading above 450 around midnight. These figures highlight the wider air pollution concerns across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region following festival celebrations.
Residents Advised to Take Precautions
The deterioration in air quality is a concern particularly for children, senior citizens and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary prolonged outdoor exposure when pollution levels are high, especially during periods of visible smoke and haze. People experiencing breathing difficulties should seek appropriate medical advice.
The post-Diwali pollution situation has once again brought attention to the environmental impact of firecrackers and the need for greater awareness about air quality.
While some mobile applications reported readings above 400, the available monitoring station data provides a more location-specific picture of Navi Mumbai’s air quality on Monday morning. Residents should follow updates from official monitoring agencies for the latest verified readings.
