In 7 years, Mumbai will see 65% rise in air-pollution
That Mumbai has a high level of air pollution is no news. But the scary part is, it's set to rise by 65% in the next seven years. A study by a team of IIT-Bombay researchers has found out that as vehicle congestion continues to rise in South Mumbai areas like Worli, Haji Ali and Peddar Road, so will the level of air pollution.
The study considered peak travel hours in 12 roads in Worli, Tardeo, Haji Ali and Peddar Road and calculated the growth in traffic volume at 5% annually. It concluded that the Haji Ali to Peddar Road stretch witnesses highest vehicular congestion that shoots up in evenings. Using air-quality modeling studies, the team studied levels of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide(CO) and particulate matter(PM).
The study noted level of harmful nitrogen oxides is estimated to rise 1.6 times by 2025 as against the 2015 figures, and by 2035, it will be 2.6 times more. The six-member team concluded that NOx will reach 124µg/m3 in 2025, a whopping 84µg/m3 more than the permissible limit set by the Central Pollution Control Board. CO and PM will remain below permissible limits.
NOx is extremely damaging to the human respiratory system and affects asthmatic patients, children, elderly and pregnant women the most. Vehicles and power plants are responsible for increasing levels of NOx in air. Among all its types, nitrogen dioxide is the most common.
In 2000, Maharashtra government had planned to build a 4.1km flyover or viaduct on Peddar-Road, from Girgaum Chowpatty to Haji Ali junction. Several residents, including Lata Mangeshkar, protested the move, and the plan was eventually dropped. The study suggests implementing the flyover plan will reduce congestion by 40% to 50%. Another solution to curb pollution can be to use oxidizing agent at emission source.
