Mumbai, January 22: In what highlights the rising pollution levels in Mumbai, a pair of artificial lungs, put up in Bandra, has started turning black within just a week of installation. The artificial lungs were installed to highlight the adverse effects of pollution and worsening air quality in Mumbai. On Tuesday, the air quality index (AQI) reached as high as 340 in Bandra Kurla Complex or BKC. Readings above 300 are considered hazardous. Air Pollution in India Can Affect Bone Health and Increase Risk of Lung Cancer.

Like Mumbai, artificial lungs were installed in Delhi, Lucknow and Bengaluru. In Delhi, the lungs turned completely black in six days. In Lucknow, it took five days, in Bengaluru 25. The AQI in Mumbai has crossed 200 (very unhealthy category) several times in the past few months. Last month, it crossed 200 seven times. In Bandra Kurla Complex, it went beyond 200 twenty-three times and crossed 300 eight times. Delhi: Dense Fog Envelopes National Capital, Temperature Dips to 7 Degrees Celsius, Flight And Train Operations Affected..

Speaking to NDTV, Bhagwan Kesbhat, the founder of an environmental organization called Waatavaran, blames private vehicles for Mumbai's deteriorating air quality. "Professionals, businessmen and corporates all travel in private cars. Three lakh cars come to the Bandra Kurla Complex every day. That has impacted air quality. The main cause of air pollution is vehicular emission. Second is dust from construction," he said.

Shikha Kumar, campaign manager for the programme, pointed out why the Arey forest assumes significance for Mumbai's environment. "With all the Aarey protests in Mumbai, we now know for sure it wasn't just about the 3,000 trees but it was about the cluster of greenery which is very important for a city like Mumbai," he was quoted as saying. Hundreds of trees were cut in Mumbai's Aarey colony for Metro rail-related construction.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 22, 2020 10:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).