Navi Mumbai: Air pollution continues to be a concern in Navi Mumbai, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining above 100 since October 16. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) National Air Quality Data Management System, the city recorded an AQI of 121 at 2.05 pm on October 19.

Mahape reported the highest AQI at 141, while Kalamboli’s Sector 2E monitoring station recorded the lowest at 103. Other locations also registered elevated levels, including CBD Belapur (133), Koparipada-Vashi (131), Tondare-Taloja (125), Sanpada (115) and Nerul (109). PM10 and PM2.5 were identified as prominent pollutants in CBD Belapur.

Environmental activist BN Kumar criticised the administration’s response to pollution, saying, “Rising AQI clearly reflects the administration’s failure to regulate pollution from construction activities, vehicle emissions and industries. It is high time the public raises its voice against air pollution and demands accountability, compelling the concerned authorities to take concrete action to safeguard public health and protect the environment.”

Activists have also questioned differences between India’s AQI classification and that of the United States. Under India’s national AQI system, readings between 101 and 200 are classified as ‘Moderately Polluted’. In the US system, readings of 101–150 fall under ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’, while 151–200 are classified as ‘Unhealthy’.

Jyoti Nadkarni, a Kharghar resident and environmental activist, said, “Primarily, India needs to upgrade its pollution standards. If we are meeting global benchmarks in all other sectors, then why not the environment?”

The readings highlight concerns for children, senior citizens, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, who may be more vulnerable to air pollution.