I have travelled overseas 3/4 times in the last 2 years and every time I come back, my throat goes all itchy and it takes about a week to settle down. In November and December, it's tough to walk in the mornings because smog lingers in the city until late morning.
Mumbai's Air Quality Index has been "unhealthy" to "very unhealthy" for the last 10 days, ranging from 120 to 215. The average AQI for November 2025 is about 136, rising from 75 in September. Relative to Delhi, we are in heaven, but then compare it to London (where I was in October). London's air quality has been "Good" to "Moderate" for the last 10 days, with an AQI generally at 50 or below, consistently higher than the UK average.
I am an early riser, but my body clock is now quite confused. When I open my eyes, I can see light streaming through the windows. However, this light over the last 18 months has been generated by floodlights at a construction site opposite my apartment. Whether it is 2 am, 4 am, or 6 am, the light is constant and disappears only when natural light appears. The construction site lacks guidelines, which could lead to trucks blocking roads during busy times and irregular work hours.
The redevelopment boom is greatly impacting Bandra's air quality, worsened by the nearby construction of the Bandra-Andheri sea link, just over a kilometer from my apartment. Further away from the shore, the various roadworks and metro lines make the pollution worse. Public works and real estate growth are happening quickly, and this trend is expected to continue for the next 5 years.
Growth is good for an economy, but an entire generation suffers the consequences of development at a frenetic pace. We're now focused on T20-style development, having moved away from ODIs, and test matches aren't even considered. Worse, technique and quality get compromised with shoddy execution of roads and poor project management (just look at the old Mumbai-Goa highway).
Not everyone can get out of the city to recharge and take a break. At the waterfront on weekends, the crowds make it seem like a great migration is happening. Due to our public hygiene standards, it seems that a storm has left behind empty plastic bottles and snack wrappers.
Is there a way forward out of this? Yes, better project management and guidelines for managing construction would help. Fines and other measures could help improve cleanliness. However, a more aware and mobilized citizen could definitely make a difference.
Share this post