Have you experienced persistent cough, throat irritation, burning eyes, or constantly found yourself covering your nose while travelling in Mumbai recently? It would be a lie if Mumbaikars said they aren’t concerned about the smog developing daily in the city. The severity has also made authorities issue guidelines for dust mitigation. Their non-compliance will make the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) take quick action against defaulters and even fine them.  
With construction sites currently on the radar, the municipal corporation has said it has also put together an enforcement squad to make sure the measures are implemented. While smog guns and sprinklers are a part of the plan, according to a recent mid-day report, the sites have been told to raise their barriers and keep construction material covered.

In the meantime, city doctors say it is important for Mumbaikars to not take it for granted. Smog, which simply means fog intensified by smoke, is usually seen during the winter months. With Mumbai and Delhi’s air quality reducing by the day, the most recent ‘very poor’ AQI status that has been a regular occurrence, means that the bad air quality is here to stay. Unfortunately, it can have adverse effects on the body. The doctors say it’s important to take care because people can be susceptible to not only short-term effects but also long-term respiratory diseases.