As Mumbai continues to grapple with air pollution, especially during the winter months, the debate persists—what do the air quality monitors truly reflect, and what more needs to be done to ensure cleaner, healthier air for all? While the city’s toxic air worsens especially during winter months due to weather conditions, recent analysis of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data suggests that the issue may be more localised rather than uniform across the city.

To explore this further, mid-day spoke to various stakeholders including citizens, activists, environmentalists, and pulmonologists, to understand their perspectives on the issue. A comprehensive five-year analysis of winter air quality data (2020-2025) released earlier this month by NGO Waatavaran Foundation has shown a substantial improvement in air quality parameters, with a remarkable increase in the number of ‘good’ and ‘satisfactory’ air quality days. However, as the numbers on monitors paint an optimistic picture, citizens and experts on the ground present a contrasting reality, pointing out persistent pollution woes and localised challenges.