Mumbai: Mumbai air quality remained in the “poor” category in the beginning of December, with many areas recording an above 300 Air Quality Index (AQI), which is an indicator of pollutants in the air.

An overall AQI for Mumbai was recorded as “231” which comes under the “poor” category, while the AQI recorded above 300 is considered as “very poor”. Weather experts have stated that the city’s air pollution is likely to remain poor for the next three days owing to weather conditions.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Andheri, Bandra-Kurla Complex and Mazagaon recorded “very poor” AQI, with the poorest air quality at Andheri Saturday. Also, Malad and Borivali recorded ‘poor’ air quality that same day. “The air quality is mainly poor during winters. In Mumbai, there is also delay in the setting in of the sea breeze, due to which, the pollutants remain suspended on the surface for a longer period,” said an official from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

In these areas, the PM2.5 levels, arising from mostly vehicular and industrial emissions, were recorded above 300. While Andheri recorded PM2.5 at 334, BKC and Mazagaon recorded these pollutant levels at 324 and 318, respectively. Meanwhile the PM10 levels, arising from dust pollution, were recorded under the ‘moderate’ category, which is between 100 and 200.

Also, Navi Mumbai recorded an AQI at 302 with air quality reeling with poor levels. According to SAFAR, in the case of poor air quality, citizens with heart problems and asthma-related issues should reduce prolonged and heavy exertion.