Delhi vs Mumbai air pollution: Delhi’s air quality deteriorates at slowest pace in 7 years, Mumbai pollution doubles

In a seasonal shift, Delhi has recorded its slowest deterioration in air quality in seven years during the transition from September to October, while Mumbai has witnessed pollution levels more than double over the same period. A Moneycontrol analysis of air quality data from 11 major Indian cities found that Delhi’s average AQI rose 48.5%, compared with Mumbai’s 105.1% increase.

The analysis compared average AQI readings for September 16-30 and October 1-25 for each year from 2020 to 2026. Delhi’s increase was lower than its six-year average of 75.8%, while Mumbai’s rise exceeded its corresponding average of 76.2%. Bengaluru and Kolkata also recorded sharper increases than their respective six-year averages.

Mumbai AQI: Official and private readings show differences

Mumbai recorded an average AQI of 124, placing the city in the moderate category, according to official data. However, private sensors using the US AQI scale indicated higher pollution levels, with the average at 172 and readings fluctuating between 165 and 186 through the day, reported TOI.

Private sensors recorded an average US AQI of 179 near Juhu’s JVPD Scheme and 177 at Bandra Hill Road, where readings ranged from 169 to 198. At the US Consulate in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), readings ranged between 184 and 229.

Official monitoring data showed BKC recording the highest AQI at 169, followed by Andheri East at 162, Mazgaon and Worli at 161 each, Mankhurd at 151 and Colaba at 149.

Ghatkopar recorded the cleanest air in Mumbai, with an AQI of 38, categorised as good. Kandivli followed at 64, in the satisfactory category, while Powai recorded an AQI of 98.

Delhi AQI: Capital records marginal improvement

Delhi recorded an AQI of 164 at 7 am on Monday, placing it in the moderate category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The reading indicated a marginal improvement in air quality.

Of the 60 air quality monitoring stations across the capital, 55 were reporting data. PM2.5 was the leading pollutant at 30 stations.

Jahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI at 246, followed by Vivek Vihar at 235, CRRI Mathura Road at 231, Punjabi Bagh at 225 and R K Puram at 223. All five stations fell in the poor category.

PM2.5 was the leading pollutant at Jahangirpuri, Vivek Vihar, Punjabi Bagh and R K Puram, while PM10 was the primary pollutant at CRRI Mathura Road.

Delhi-NCR faces air pollution and Yamuna foam

Delhi-NCR is also grappling with the reappearance of toxic white foam on the Yamuna near Kalindi Kunj, even as air quality across the region remains a concern. The overall AQI touched 168 on Sunday, according to the available data.

PM2.5 and PM10 remained the dominant pollutants. Monitoring stations reported local variations, with readings around 110 at PGDAV College and Sriniwaspuri, while several other stations recorded AQI levels ranging from 118 to above 180.

The deterioration in air quality prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on October 21.

Under GRAP Stage 1, the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open-air eateries is prohibited. The use of diesel generator sets is also restricted to essential or emergency purposes.

Visuals from Kalindi Kunj showed large patches of white foam floating on the Yamuna’s surface, underscoring the continuing pollution concerns surrounding the river.

The foam’s reappearance comes days after Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised the government’s efforts to revive the Yamuna. She described the inauguration of infrastructure projects worth around Rs 9,000 crore as a “joyful day” for residents of the capital.