After years of worsening air, Mumbai is finally breathing a little easier. The city’s air quality is returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest Praja Foundation report for 2023-24. It highlights that while air quality had sharply deteriorated post-pandemic, 2024 marks a turnaround, with multiple months registering ‘Good’ air quality for the first time in years.

Traditionally, the winter months see AQI (Air Quality Index) levels spike, but in 2024, they have remained relatively moderate, hinting at broader improvements across the city. From 2019 to 2024, Mumbai’s battle with pollution has been a mix of slow progress and continuing health risks.