Combating Mumbai Air Pollution: After Air Filters on 21 BEST Buses, BMC now installs Virtual Chimneys At High-Traffic Locations!

Combating Mumbai Air Pollution: Air Filters on BEST Buses and Air Purification Units in City Gardens

In a proactive move to tackle Mumbai’s persistent air pollution, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has implemented a series of initiatives, including installing air filters on BEST buses and air purification units in city gardens. Let’s delve into the details of these measures aimed at improving the air quality in the bustling metropolis.

Air Filters on BEST Buses: A Mobile Solution

As a significant step in combating Mumbai air pollution, the BMC has installed air filters on 21 Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses. These buses are now equipped with high-efficiency particulate air filters, functioning as mobile air purifiers. With the capacity to clean up to 15,000 cubic meters of air per hour and capture 12-15 grams of suspended particulate matter, these buses act as moving purification units. As part of the initiative to fight air pollution, the BEST will install air purifiers on 350 vehicles in the first phase.

The cutting-edge air purification system operates solely on velocity, eliminating the need for external power sources. This innovative approach addresses vehicular emissions, a primary source of air pollution in Mumbai, actively cleansing the air of dust particles while the buses are in transit.

Air Purification Units in City Gardens: Green Lungs for Clean Air

Taking a holistic approach, the BMC has initiated a trial by installing air purification units in six city gardens. These include Diamond Garden in Chembur, Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo in Byculla, Bhakti Park-Wadala, Shivaji Park-Dadar, and SK Patil Udyan-Kalbadevi. The air purification units, with a capacity to purify 7,000 cubic meters of air per hour and cover a 10-meter radius, aim to create pockets of cleaner air in green spaces.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will play a crucial role in selecting the firm to install these devices, with funding being provided under Corporate-Social Responsibility (CSR). This strategic move aligns with the Mumbai Air Pollution Mitigation Plan (MAPMP), which identifies six technologies to combat pollution, focusing on the most effective measures.

Virtual Chimneys and Future Steps: Targeting High-Traffic Locations

The BMC is set to take further measures to address air pollution comprehensively. Plans include the installation of “virtual chimneys” at 10 locations characterized by high traffic congestion. Additionally, air purification units will be deployed at approximately 50 sites near hospitals and schools, contributing to creating cleaner air zones in critical areas of the city.

As Mumbai grapples with the challenges posed by air pollution, these initiatives underscore the BMC’s commitment to finding effective and sustainable solutions. By prioritizing the most impactful measures, the civic body strives to make Mumbai’s air healthier and more breathable for its residents.

You can also read: