By Dharmesh Prajapati

Light Rain Forecast and Rising Particulate Levels

Mumbaikars woke up to partly cloudy skies today as the IMD issued a Yellow Alert for thunderstorms in Thane and Raigad. While the light drizzle offers temporary relief from the April heat, experts are sounding the alarm on air quality. Particulate pollution (PM2.5) is rising due to low wind speeds trapping construction dust and vehicle emissions. Experts suggest that road dust now contributes to nearly 60% of the city’s PM10 levels.

Editorial Note: Mumbai’s coastal location used to be its natural air purifier, but we are out-building our environment. Stricter dust-control measures are no longer optional. — Dharmesh Prajapati