IN PHOTOS: Smoggy Mumbai mornings portray worsening pollution crisis

Updated On: 31 January, 2026 03:08 PM IST | Tarun Verma

Large parts of the city woke up to a dense blanket of smog today. As of Saturday, January 31, 2026, Mumbai is experiencing a severe air pollution crisis, with thick, hazy, and cold conditions covering much of the city, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to spike into the "Severe" and "Unhealthy" categories. (PICS/ASHISH RAJE)

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<p>The city coastal road skyline appeared muted and grey as visibility dropped sharply due to heavy smog intensifying pollution levels across Mumbai</p>

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The city coastal road skyline appeared muted and grey as visibility dropped sharply due to heavy smog intensifying pollution levels across Mumbai

<p>Elphinstone Bridge in Prabhadevi remained shrouded in smog as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 258, placing Mumbai in the ‘unhealthy’ category and edging closer to ‘hazardous’</p>

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Elphinstone Bridge in Prabhadevi remained shrouded in smog as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 258, placing Mumbai in the ‘unhealthy’ category and edging closer to ‘hazardous’

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The prolonged smog in Lower Parel, Worli, Prabhadevi and other other parts of the city highlights growing environmental concerns

<p>According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered `good`, 51 to 100 `satisfactory`, 101 to 200 `moderate`, 201 to 300 `poor`, 301 to 400 `very poor`, and 401 to 500 `severe`</p>

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According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered `good`, 51 to 100 `satisfactory`, 101 to 200 `moderate`, 201 to 300 `poor`, 301 to 400 `very poor`, and 401 to 500 `severe`

<p>The iconic Haji Ali and Worli coastal stretch disappeared under polluted air as humidity hovered around 70 percent and temperatures remained near 28 degrees celsius, worsening breathing conditions</p>
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The iconic Haji Ali and Worli coastal stretch disappeared under polluted air as humidity hovered around 70 percent and temperatures remained near 28 degrees celsius, worsening breathing conditions

<p>South Mumbai areas such as Peddar Road, Haji Ali and Tardeo were engulfed in thick haze as major pollutants, PM2.5 and PM10 reached 109 µg/m³ and 128 µg/m³ respectively, far exceeding safe limits under Indian AQI standards</p>

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South Mumbai areas such as Peddar Road, Haji Ali and Tardeo were engulfed in thick haze as major pollutants, PM2.5 and PM10 reached 109 µg/m³ and 128 µg/m³ respectively, far exceeding safe limits under Indian AQI standards

<p>According to AQI estimates, breathing Mumbai’s air in these conditions is as harmful as smoking 5.1 cigarettes a day, prompting advisories to stay indoors and wear masks</p>

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According to AQI estimates, breathing Mumbai’s air in these conditions is as harmful as smoking 5.1 cigarettes a day, prompting advisories to stay indoors and wear masks

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IN PHOTOS: Smoggy Mumbai mornings portray worsening pollution crisis

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Breaking barriers and building pyramids — Women power in action!