Navi Mumbai: Residents have complained of hazy skies and deteriorating air quality for nearly a week, raising questions over pollution-control measures as the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) attributes the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) partly to tunnelling, infrastructure projects and data centre construction across Navi Mumbai.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) National Air Quality Data Management System, Navi Mumbai recorded an AQI of 104 at 6 pm on Wednesday, October 21. Mahape registered 126, Kopripada-Vashi 143 and CBD Belapur 132, with PM10 identified as the prominent pollutant. Nerul recorded 90 and Sanpada 82.

An MPCB official, requesting anonymity, attributed deteriorating air quality in Belapur and Nerul partly to tunnelling work on the Kharghar-Turbhe Link Road and construction activities, particularly in the Mahape industrial area. Vehicle emissions and dust from excavation and transportation of construction material were also cited as contributing factors.

“The construction activity is taking place on a large scale,” the official said, explaining that excavated material from tunnelling and industrial construction sites was transported by road. Spillage and repeated resuspension of dust during transportation were adding to pollution.

The official said MPCB had directed municipal corporations to deploy sprinklers to suppress dust and take precautions during road cleaning and construction activities. Around 160 industries were using piped natural gas (PNG), the official added, while action had been taken against polluting industries.

However, questions remain over coordination at the local level. Corporators Dr Pranali Kashinath Patil of Ward 22-B and Pradip Uttam Gavas of Ward 23-C said they had not received specific information about AQI-control measures in their wards.

“Personally, no one has contacted me regarding this,” Patil said, adding that residents had complained of pollution, foul odour and respiratory difficulties, particularly near highways.

With residents continuing to report poor air quality, the effectiveness of dust-control measures and coordination between pollution-control authorities and civic representatives remain under scrutiny.