Roads packed with cars lead to dip in air quality

Mumbai: As per the latest report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Mumbai has ranked 13th among the cities in terms of annual average Air Quality Index (AQI). While officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) stated that it is a fairly good position, traffic experts said that there has been 8 to 10 per cent increase in the number of vehicles every year. A recent report by Ola cabs stated that the average traffic speed of Mumbai has reduced from 21.6 km/h to 20.7 km/h in 2017. Moreover, it ranked third among metro cities in terms of traffic congestion. 

Traffic experts have asserted that increase in the number of vehicles on the roads is the obvious reason behind the speed-decrease. “While the roads of Mumbai are already congested, the increase in number of private vehicles is a major concern. Mostly due to the traffic congestion, there is always half combustion in the engines which is more harmful for the air,” said Ashok Datar, transport expert.

Experts have also stated that while the number of vehicles has increased, the length of the road remained the same at 2,000km. “In such scenario, it is needed to improve the existing public transport system on roads and BRTS systems,” added Datar. PM 2.5 majorly comes from vehicular pollution.