Noise Pollution, Air Pollution, Water Pollution and Environmental Pollution are increasing in Mumbai. Bombay’s Municipal Corporation (BMC) is primarily responsible for reducing pollution in Mumbai city.
The BMC’s annual Environmental Status Report (ESR) shows that Noise and Air quality is deteriorating in Mumbai. Fortunately, there is some progress in combating Water Pollution.
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Noise Pollution In Mumbai
| LOCATION | 2012 – 2011 | 2011 – 2010 | 2010 – 2009 | 2009 – 2008 | UPPER NOISE LIMITS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY | NIGHT | DAY | NIGHT | DAY | NIGHT | DAY | NIGHT | DAY | NIGHT | |
| Residential | 74 | 58 | 73 | 60 | 68 | 62 | 83 | 53 | 55 | 45 |
| Commercial | 83 | 64 | 79 | 59 | 77 | 58 | 106 | 66 | 65 | 55 |
| Traffic Spots | 90 | 69 | 85 | 65 | 76 | 64 | 96 | 64 | 65 | 55 |
| Silence Zones | 78 | 63 | 78 | 55 | 73 | 55 | 99 | 80 | 50 | 40 |
(All numbers in Decibels, db)
The effects of high Noise Pollution are loss of hearing, hearing impairment, ischemic heart disease, heart attacks (estimate of 4% of heart attacks because of noise pollution), premature ejaculation, decreased sexual capability, irregular bowel movements, sleep disturbance, irritability, hypertension, high blood pressure, change in immune system, birth defects, etc.
NOTE:
- 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm is the nosiest time of the day in Mumbai city.
- Day time is from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Night time is from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
- Mumbai has 1,112 notified Silence Zones which are area up to 100 meters around premises such as hospitals, educational institutions, courts, etc.
Complain Against Noise Pollution in Mumbai
Mumbai residents can use any of the below methods of complaining against noise pollution in their area:
- Call Mumbai Police’s Control Number at 100 or the local Police Station where noise pollution is taking place. Complaint can be raised anonymously. Alternately send a SMS or call on Mumbai Police’s 24 hour helpline numbers 7738133133, 7738144144. Mumbai Police is expected to send a prompt SMS for issues raised on these helpline numbers. These helpline numbers are not just for noise pollution, but for any issues related to Mumbai’s Police.
- Raise a complaint on the Mumbai Police Website. This Mumbai Police complaint link is not just for noise pollution, but any complaint which can be handled by the police.
- Raise a complaint on the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board website. This link can be used to raise complaints for noise, air and water pollution issues. Telephone number of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s Sion office is 022-24020781, 24014701, 24010437.
How to check Noise Pollution Level in Mumbai
“Noise Watch” is a free smartphone application which acts as a decibel meter and updates the noise level on the “Noise Watch” Map. This free app can be downloaded at the following sites:
- iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/noise-meter-eoe/id486395795?mt=8
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tsystems.humanSensor
Air Pollution In Mumbai
SULPHER DIOXIDE LEVELS IN MUMBAI
| LOCATION | 2012 – 2011 | 2011 – 2010 | 2010 – 2009 | 2009 – 2008 | 2008 – 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worli | 14 | 8 | 9 | 13 | 14 |
| Khar | 10 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 11 |
| Andheri | 11 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 11 |
| Bhandup | 12 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 14 |
| Borivali | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Maravli (Chembur) | 16 | 10 | 16 | 16 | 18 |
(All figures are in µg/m3 – micrograms per cubic meter of air)
NITROGEN DIOXIDE LEVELS IN MUMBAI
| LOCATION | 2012 – 2011 | 2011 – 2010 | 2010 – 2009 | 2009 – 2008 | 2008 – 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worli | 44 | 32 | 41 | 67 | 31 |
| Khar | 57 | 44 | 47 | 84 | 47 |
| Andheri | 56 | 40 | 53 | 86 | 47 |
| Bhandup | 40 | 34 | 29 | 67 | 34 |
| Borivali | 20 | 14 | 22 | 31 | 19 |
| Maravli (Chembur) | 60 | 50 | 65 | 89 | 54 |
(All figures are in µg/m3 – micrograms per cubic meter of air)
SUSPENDED PARTICLE MATTER (SPM) LEVELS IN MUMBAI
| LOCATION | 2012 – 2011 | 2011 – 2010 | 2010 – 2009 | 2009 – 2008 | 2008 – 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worli | 205 | 197 | 201 | 183 | 185 |
| Khar | 219 | 221 | 250 | 252 | 258 |
| Andheri | 238 | 203 | 227 | 263 | 281 |
| Bhandup | 273 | 198 | 200 | 206 | 268 |
| Borivali | 158 | 125 | 113 | 129 | 32 |
| Maravli (Chembur) | 760 | 642 | 603 | 389 | 439 |
(All figures are in µg/m3 – micrograms per cubic meter of air)
India’s National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP) classifies air pollution into four air pollutants:
- Sulphur Dioxide,
- Oxides of Nitrogen, including Nitrogen Dioxide,
- Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM),
- Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM/PM10).
NOTE:
- At almost all observation points, there has been an increase in air pollution in Mumbai in 2012 – 2011 as compared to the last two years.
- The month of December experiences the highest level of air pollution in Mumbai. Air pollution levels in Bombay start rising after the monsoon.
- 451 new vehicles are registered in Mumbai every day. These motor vehicles are deteriorating the quality of air. Also, slow moving traffic jams lead to increased air pollution as compared to smooth flowing traffic.
- Increased construction (housing, Metro, bridges, roads, etc) has increased dust and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM).
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is a part of the UN World Health Organization (WHO), declared in October 2013 that Air Pollution is carcenogenic which increases the risk of lung and bladder cancer. WHO’s cancer research department came to this finding after reviewing thousands of scientific papers.
Sulphur Dioxide and Air Pollution
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) is a pungent smelling, toxic gas. Petrol, Diesel, Coal contains Sulfur compounds, which when burnt lead to Sulfur Dioxide. Excess Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) in the air can cause respiratory illness, breathing problems, reduced functioning of lungs, cardiovascular problems, etc. Mumbai residents who suffer from heart disease or asthma or other respiratory problems are most at risk to exposure to Sulphur Dioxide.
Sulphur Dioxide, in combination with Nitrogen Oxides, causes “Acid Rain” which impacts plants, animals, reduces visibility and accelerates corrosion of buildings and infrastructure.
Permissible level of Sulphur Dioxide is 50 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter of air).
Nitrogen Dioxide and Air Pollution
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is a Reddish-Brown, sharp, foul smelling toxic gas. Motor vehicle exhaust contributes to most of the nitrogen dioxide in Mumbai and other cities. Exposure to increased levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) leads to respiratory problems because it inflames the lining of the lungs. Illnesses associated with excess Nitrogen Dioxide are lung infection, bronchitis, flu, cough, cold, wheezing, etc. Mumbai residents who suffer from heart disease or asthma or other respiratory problems are most at risk to exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide.
Permissible level of Nitrogen Dioxide is 40 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter of air).
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Air Pollution
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) is a mix of small air borne particles, dust, fumes, smoke, nickel, lead, mist, etc in the air. Usually the size of SPM is less than 100 µm or 10 micrometer (PM10) in diameter. Particles of such small size can are able to infiltrate the deepest part of the lungs such as the bronchioles or alveoli.
Increased exposure to Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) can lead to respiratory ailments such as lung cancer, asthmatic attacks, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc and heart disease. Among very young children, it can also lead to birth defects, lower IQ and premature deaths. Exhaust from motor fuels like Diesel contain Benzopyrenes which are Carcinogenic (cancer causing).
Permissible level of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in the air is 200 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter of air).
Air Pollution in Mumbai and Indian Metros
According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), when it comes to air pollution, India is the 13th most polluted country in the world. Among the four metros of India, the most polluted is Delhi, followed by Kolkatta, then Mumbai and finally Chennai.
Water Pollution in Mumbai
| 2012 – 2011 | 2011 – 2010 | 2010 – 2009 | 2009 – 2008 | 2008 – 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16.37 | 26.64 | 26.1 | 13.8 | 12.47 |
(All figures in Percentage)
There has been a reduction in the number of contaminated water samples tested by the BMC in Mumbai. A water contamination of 16% is hardly good. One in 6 glasses of water that a Mumbaikar drinks is impure. This leads to water borne diseases such as Cholera, Gastroenteritis, E Coli, Jaundice, Dysentery, Diarrhea, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, etc.
The most contaminated samples were taken from Goregaon, followed by Kalbadevi. The lowest samples of dirty water was taken at Matunga.
Sea Water Pollution Along Mumbai’s Coast
| MUMBAI WATER FRONT | FAECAL COLIFORM (per 100 ML) | PH | DISSOLVED OXYGEN (PPM) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 – 2013 | 2012 – 2011 | 2012 – 2013 | 2012 – 2011 | 2012 – 2013 | 2012 – 2011 | |
| Gateway Of India | 1460 | 1076 | 7.7 | 7.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| Nariman Point | 900 | 781 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Malabar Hill | 900 | 911 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 4.2 | 4.9 |
| Haji Ali | 1461 | 1062 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 5.2 | 4.7 |
| Worli Sea Face | 1460 | 1000 | 7.8 | 7.7 | 4.0 | 4.9 |
| Juhu Beach | 1325 | 914 | 7.1 | 7.8 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| Versova | 1650 | 811 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 4.9 | 4.4 |
| Chowpatty, Girgaum | 1455 | 1000 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| ACCEPTED LEVEL | 500 | 6.5 – 9.0 | 3.0 | |||
- Faecal Coliform (or Fecal Coliform) is a bacteria that can grow in salt water. Coliform Bacteria usually originates in faeces. High levels of Faecal Coliform indicate that Mumbai’s human sewage system has a problem and its water treatment measures are inadequate.
- BMC’s plans for water and sewage treatment plants at Worli, Bandra, Malad and Versova are in legal and administrative problems. Hopefully the Colaba Sewage Treatment plant will start by January, 2014.
- Lower the “pH” level of the sea, higher is its acidity level. Because of the increase in Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere, there is an ongoing decrease in the pH in seas and oceans. This phenomenon is called “Ocean Acidification”. The lowering of sea water pH has an adverse impact on sea life.
Picture by Mikael Häggström. Taken from Wikimedia Commons