Publications·December 30, 1997
This report aims to assist policymakers in designing and implementing policies, in monitoring and devising management tools to restore air quality in Mumbai (Bombay), India's financial and commercial capital. Ninety-seven percent of the population lives in areas where the World Health Organization (WHO) and national guidelines for pollution are frequently and substantially exceeded. This report suggests an action plan containing abatement measures for the short, medium, and long terms. Recommended actions fall into two categories--institutional and technical. A single institution with a clear mandate and sufficient resources should be made responsible for air quality management. Also, capabilities for data gathering and processing should be improved throughout the city. Technically, clean vehicle standards should be established and strictly enforced. The switch from dirty to clean fuel, including to unleaded gasoline and low-sulfur diesel, should be completed. Another option for clean vehicles is introducing LPG- (liquid petroleum) and CNG-powered (compressed natural gas) vehicles. The use of low-smoke lubrication oil for 2-stroke engines is also an important policy measure. Gross polluters should be identified and penalized. Also, general traffic management would reduce congestion and pollution. Awareness raising by public and private groups including educational institutions is key to bringing about policy changes.
This report focuses on restoring air quality in Mumbai, India’s financial and commercial capital, where 97% of the population resides in areas that frequently and substantially exceed both WHO and national air quality guidelines.
The report supports policymakers in designing and implementing a comprehensive Air Quality Management System (AQMS), offering a short-, medium-, and long-term action plan. The proposed measures are divided into two categories:
1. Institutional Measures
Establish a single city-wide authority with a clear mandate and adequate resources to oversee air quality management.
Improve data collection, analysis, and monitoring systems to enable better policy enforcement.
Enhance inter-agency coordination and governance capacity for implementing and sustaining air quality improvements.
2. Technical Measures
Develop and strictly enforce clean vehicle standards across all classes.
Complete the fuel transition to unleaded gasoline and low-sulfur diesel.
Promote LPG (liquid petroleum gas) and CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicles as cleaner alternatives.
Mandate the use of low-smoke lubricating oil in 2-stroke engines, commonly used in auto-rickshaws and older scooters.
Identify and penalize gross polluters, both vehicular and industrial.
Implement general traffic management strategies to reduce congestion and vehicular emissions.
3. Public Engagement
Promote awareness-raising campaigns by government, private sector, and educational institutions to inform citizens and build support for air quality policies.
The report highlights that Mumbai's pollution challenge is rooted in outdated fuel use, lax enforcement, and poor traffic systems, and can be addressed through a blend of institutional reform, technical enforcement, and public participation.
📑 Key Words / Topics:
Mumbai air pollution
WHO air quality standards
Urban exposure
AQMS (Air Quality Management System)
Vehicle emissions
Unleaded gasoline
Low-sulfur diesel
CNG and LPG vehicles
Two-stroke engine emissions
Traffic congestion and management
Public awareness and education
Institutional reform and enforcement