Mumbai strengthens air quality monitoring with five new real-time stations

Mumbai is set to expand its air quality monitoring network. The BMC will install five new Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) across the city. These will join the existing 28 stations already operated by MPCB, IITM, and BMC. The new stations will be placed at key locations. These include C.D. Deshmukh Garden in Mulund East, Pramod Mahajan Park in Worli, Aarey Garden in Goregaon East, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Recreation Ground in Dahisar East, and the BMC’s Assistant Commissioner’s Office in Khar West. They will not overlap with current networks run by MPCB, BMC, or SAFAR.

Each station will track temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and pollutant levels in real time. The data, including the Air Quality Index, will be available on the BMC portal and the CPCB’s 'Sameer' app. The project costs Rs. 17.50 crore, covering a three-year warranty and five years of maintenance.

The stations will follow CPCB standards for monitoring, calibration, and data validation. They will analyse air quality hourly to support pollution control measures and policy decisions. The expanded network will provide more accurate and timely air quality data. It will help authorities assess pollution levels and strengthen control efforts. The new stations are expected to improve evidence-based decision-making for Mumbai’s air quality management.