Over the past two days, Navi Mumbai has witnessed a drop in temperature, bringing with it a dense fog that has enveloped the city during the night. However, this seasonal phenomenon has reportedly become a cover for companies in the MIDC industrial belt to release polluted gases into the atmosphere, worsening air quality in the region.

Residents of Khairane, Koparkhairane, and neighbouring areas are complaining of an unbearable stench at night, leading to breathing difficulties and nausea. Despite previous complaints to authorities, air pollution under the guise of winter fog continues unabated, prompting citizens to demand stricter action to curb these harmful practices.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) region, including Mahape and the surrounding industrial belt, has long been grappling with pollution issues. Areas like Kopri village, Bonkode, and Sector 26 have reported a strong chemical odour during the night, with visible dust-like particles in the air. However, these "dust particles" are suspected to be chemical pollutants, exacerbating health issues among residents.

On Friday, air quality data from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board revealed that the city’s AQI (Air Quality Index) hovered between "moderate" and "satisfactory" levels, yet local observations tell a more alarming story.

Local residents are calling for immediate measures to address this issue. “Despite repeated complaints about the increasing pollution levels in our area, no tangible action has been taken. The chemical stench at night is unbearable, and we’re forced to breathe this toxic air daily,” said a resident from Koparkhairane.

Citizens have urged the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and NMMC to enhance monitoring efforts, enforce stringent regulations, and ensure that industries comply with emission norms, especially during the winter season.

With the AQI inching towards unhealthy levels, the time for proactive measures to mitigate air pollution is now. Authorities must ensure that industrial emissions are strictly monitored and that residents are not forced to bear the brunt of poor air quality under the veil of seasonal fog.

Air Quality Data for Navi Mumbai on Saturday