The air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai was recorded at 130, which falls in the ‘moderate’ category. This is the fifth time in the month of February that AQI has been recorded the highest. According to CPCB’s official AQI monitoring application, this figure was recorded on Friday evening based on data collected from various monitoring centers across the city.

The AQI had reached 141 and 140 on February 2 and 3 respectively, which was then recorded up to 134 on February 4 and 15. According to the data, except on February 10, 18 and 19, this index remained in around three digits for the entire month. AQI remained below 100 on 10, 18 and 19 February.

AQI reached 172 in BKC

The air quality index in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), one of the main commercial areas of Mumbai, was recorded at 172. Another monitoring device installed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board in the BKC area recorded the figure at 140, while in the nearby densely populated area of ​​Kurla it was 160.

AQI remained high in January also

The data also revealed that there were eight days in January when the AQI remained below 100. However, on January 22 and January 26, the AQI increased to 133, the highest level ever recorded in the winter season.

What does AQI mean?

According to CPCB classification, an AQI up to 100 is considered ‘satisfactory’, although it may cause minor breathing discomfort to sensitive individuals. An AQI between 101 and 200 falls in the ‘moderate’ category, which can cause breathing problems in people suffering from lung diseases, asthma and heart disease. In view of the increasing air pollution in Mumbai, health experts have advised sensitive people to take precautions.