Mumbai’s air quality continued to deteriorate on Thursday, with the city’s overall air quality index (AQI) rising to 137, according to the Centre’s SAMEER app. The AQI has shown a steady upward trend through the week—114 on Monday, 126 on Tuesday and 128 on Wednesday—indicating worsening pollution levels across the city.
While the AQI continues to remain in the ‘moderate’ category, poor air quality may cause breathing discomfort, particularly for people with asthma, lung disorders, and heart ailments.
Amid growing concern, Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad criticised both the Maharashtra and Union governments for failing to address the issue.
In a post on X, she wrote: “AQI levels continue to be in the unhealthy to severe range across Mumbai. While the government in Maharashtra is busy appeasing contractors and the government at the Centre refuses to discuss air pollution, citizens are suffering. We believe policy interventions like the Mumbai Clean Air Action Plan are imperative right now. We will continue to fight for citizens’ right to breathe!”
AQI levels continue to be in the unhealthy to severe range across Mumbai. While the government in Maharashtra is busy appeasing contractors and the government at the Center refuses to discuss air pollution, citizens are suffering. We believe policy interventions like Mumbai Clean… pic.twitter.com/x0EP426M5s
— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) December 4, 2025
Clear skies, polluted air
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather in Mumbai is expected to remain clear. Colaba, which is representative of the Island city, is likely to record the maximum and minimum temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius, respectively, on Thursday. Meanwhile, Santacruz is expected to record a minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius.
AQI across key locations (latest readings)
Worli: 75
Powai: 85
Sion: 94
Kurla: 108
Navy Nagar (Colaba): 119
Mazagaon: 132
Vile Parle: 133
Malad West: 148
Deonar: 156
Borivali East: 173
Bandra-Kurla Complex: 241
Delhi sees slight relief
Delhi experienced marginal improvement on Thursday morning, with its overall AQI dropping to 299, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Though still in the poor category, the levels were lower than the 342 recorded earlier this week. Localities such as Najafgarh (286) and IGI Airport T3 (255) reported relatively better conditions.
However, thick smog persisted in several pockets, including Anand Vihar (316), Wazirpur (323), Patparganj (309) and Sonia Vihar (302), all falling under the very poor category.
Environmental experts warn that both Mumbai and Delhi remain in vulnerable territory and say immediate, sustained policy action is required to prevent further deterioration.
