Mumbai's air quality hits unhealthy levels in November 2025
Mumbai struggled with poor air quality all through November, with the AQI reaching 171 ('moderately polluted') on November 30 and most days marked as moderate or worse.
While high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 were the main culprits at the end of the month, ozone and NO2 also contributed significantly throughout November.
Pollution peaked at a concerning 198 just before the month ended.
What's causing it—and why it matters
Ozone and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) swapped places as top pollutants throughout the month, due to factors like heavy traffic, industrial emissions, and weather that trapped dirty air close to where people breathe.
This spike in pollution isn't just numbers—kids, seniors, and anyone with heart or lung issues are especially at risk for breathing problems, coughing, fatigue, or even more serious health conditions.
What's being done about it
The city's municipal body is stepping up by installing hundreds of new air quality sensors at construction sites and stopping work where dust rules aren't followed.
They're also switching bakeries and crematoriums to cleaner fuels to help clear the air.