The residents of Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, particularly those in sectors 13 to 19, woke up to a blanket of toxic, stinking mist this morning, believed to be the result of burning waste products. The foul-smelling haze has raised significant health concerns in the community, as it has persisted over the past few days.

Photographs taken early this morning show eerily deserted streets and pathways shrouded in a thick layer of smog, casting a gloomy and hazardous atmosphere across the area. The dimly lit roads, coupled with the dense mist, depict a ghostly scene, underlining the severity of the pollution.

The air quality readings, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), reveal an alarming situation. At 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a staggering 304, placing it in the “very poor” category. Such levels are known to cause respiratory illness upon prolonged exposure. By 5:00 p.m., the AQI slightly improved to 168, categorised as “moderate,” but still potentially causing discomfort for individuals with lung, asthma, and heart conditions.

Maria Kaur, a vigilant Sanpada resident, has voiced her concerns through social media, tagging authorities such as the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and officials like Dashrath Bhagat and Vijay Nahata, urging immediate action. She describes the air as “toxic” and “stinky,” indicating the pervasive nature of the problem.

“We are urging local authorities and environmental groups to investigate the cause of this pollution and take immediate measures to mitigate its impact," said Nilesh Gore, a concerned resident.

“Continuous exposure to such hazardous air quality has heightened fears, especially for the elderly and children, who are more vulnerable to respiratory ailments,” he added.