High NO₂ Levels in Mumbai: Malad West and BKC Among the Most Polluted Areas, Reveals Greenpeace Report | Representational Image
Mumbai: Malad West and Bandra Kurla Complex are among the most polluted areas of Mumbai, revealed the latest Greenpeace Report. The report “Beyond North India: NO₂ Pollution and Health Risks in Seven Major Indian Cities” revealed alarming levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution in Mumbai.
According to Greenpeace, global environmental organisation, dedicated to tackling pressing environmental challenges, Mumbai’s annual average nitrogen dioxide concentration exceeded the WHO health guideline at 22 of 24 air quality monitoring stations in 2023. Nitrogen dioxide is a near-invisible toxic gas closely linked to traffic and fuel burning, common in urban areas.
Malad West recorded the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide at 82µg/m3, followed by Bandra Kurla Complex at 68µg/m3. Daily NO2 averages also surpassed the guideline, with Mazgaon and Sion exceeding the limit for over 70% of the year. Mazgaon recorded 267 days above the limit while Sion recorded 259 days.
High NO₂ Levels in Mumbai: Malad West and BKC Among the Most Polluted Areas, Reveals Greenpeace Report | PM
The report said that overwhelming scientific evidence links NO₂ exposure to adverse health impacts such as risk of asthma, airway inflammation, respiratory irritation, and the worsening of existing respiratory conditions. It can impair lung development, intensify allergies and increase susceptibility to respiratory mortality and death from circulatory diseases, ischemic heart disease, and even lung cancer. Children who make up to 10% the population are the most affected by the continuous exposure to unhealthy concentrations of NO₂.
Selomi Garniak, Climate Justice Campaigner at Greenpeace India, said, “This report underscores a crucial truth that air pollution is not limited to Delhi or North India. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to high NO₂ levels across cities in India. As cities grow, the rise in private vehicles worsens air quality and jeopardizes public health.”
According to Greenpeace, India’s response to air pollution, especially NO2 pollution, falls short of global health standards. The country’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are less stringent than WHO guidelines and have not been updated in 15 years, leaving millions vulnerable to the harmful effects of poor air quality.
Greenpeace India recommended a region-specific approach to address the air pollution crisis in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Pune,. This includes updating NAAQS, strengthening primary healthcare to diagnose pollution-related conditions, implementing a health advisory system, and prioritizing interventions for vulnerable groups.
Aakiz Farooq, mobility campaigner at Greenpeace, said, “Air pollution is a growing public health threat in India, requiring bold, innovative solutions. One such solution is an affordable clean air concession for public transportation. By making mass transit more accessible, people can be encouraged to leave their cars behind, reducing congestion and harmful emissions. This simple measure can significantly improve air quality, public health, and create more inclusive, healthier cities.”
Greenpeace suggested that local governments should focus on reducing vehicular emissions by improving public transport, such as offering free travel for women. Investment should also be directed toward developing hybrid air quality monitoring networks that combine low-cost sensors, existing systems, and satellite data to track progress and support effective interventions.
“To tackle this, we need a fundamental shift towards a sustainable, efficient public transportation system. Investing in cleaner, more accessible transit options is not just an environmental necessity but an urgent public health imperative. The government must prioritize cleaner mobility solutions to ensure a healthier future,” added Garnaik.
