r/navimumbai • • 4d ago

General If you're fed up with the AQI & chemical smell in the air, here's who to email with a template. Help me take action that will make the authorities actually do something.

165 Upvotes

Late at night or early in the morning, a lot of us notice a sharp chemical or gas smell. It happens from Vashi and Kopar Khairane to Kharghar, Taloja and Kalamboli. We shut the windows and wake up with a headache or a sore throat. Sometimes it leads to more insidious issues. People have been complaining about it for years, and it's still happening.

I looked at a year of data from the government's own air monitors (CPCB, Oct 2025 to Oct 2026). I know that this data is not fully accurate but its a starting point. Here's what it shows:

  • Every area with a working monitor is over the legal limit for dust and smoke in the air. The limit is 60. Ghansoli/Kopar Khairane (Mahape monitor) averaged 100, Nerul 96, Belapur 94, Vashi 87, Sanpada 82, Kharghar/Taloja 79 and Kalamboli 79.
  • Vashi has twice the legal limit of benzene, a chemical linked to cancer, and it's getting worse every year. Most of the sudden spikes happen between 10 PM and 6 AM. Benzene is a known cause of blood cancer. I myself am a blood cancer survivor.
  • In Taloja, the worst night-time ammonia comes on wind from the MIDC side.
  • The monitors closest to the factories don't work. Airoli hasn't shown any data for a whole year, and the chemical sensors at Mahape and Nerul are stuck.

Navi Mumbai is officially classed as a Critically Polluted Area under CPCB's industrial pollution index for over a decade and the TTC and Taloja MIDC belts hold thousands of industrial units. Dust and traffic play a part too but traffic doesn't explain chemicals peaking at 3 AM. Only MPCB (the state pollution board) can find out where it's coming from, by checking factories at night. So that's what we're asking for.

How to help (5 minutes)

Please write your own email. If everyone sends the exact same text, it can get counted as one complaint. Just fill in the brackets below.

To: [ronavimumbai@mpcb.gov.in](mailto:ronavimumbai@mpcb.gov.in), [mpcbnavimumbai@mpcb.gov.in](mailto:mpcbnavimumbai@mpcb.gov.in)

Cc: [ms@mpcb.gov.in](mailto:ms@mpcb.gov.in), [mscb.cpcb@nic.in](mailto:mscb.cpcb@nic.in)

Also Cc:

Subject: Chemical smell at night in [your sector, area]. Please inspect.

Sir/Madam,

I live in [Sector __, area], Navi Mumbai. I smell a [chemical / gas / burning] smell at night, on [dates, or "most nights"], around [time, e.g. 2 AM].

[In a line or two: what it smells like, and how it affects you or your family, such as headache, cough or burning eyes.]

Your own monitors show the air over the legal limit across Navi Mumbai, benzene at twice the limit in Vashi, and spikes at night. The Airoli, Mahape and Nerul monitors are not working.

Please :

  1. Inspect industrial units near my area at night, without warning.
  2. Find and stop the source of the smell.
  3. Fix the broken air monitors.

[Your name] [Sector, area]

-----

You can also complain on the apps, ideally while you can still smell it:

  • Sameer, the CPCB app
  • MPCB e-Catalyst, the MPCB app

Please keep it civil, and for now don't name any company unless you have clear proof. Let's get them to pay attention with a simple ask : check at night, find the source, fix the monitors.

References

News reports about residents and the smell:

  • Vashi Sectors 28–29 and Kopar Khairane: chemical smell after midnight, nausea and dizziness (Free Press Journal, Mar 2024): link
  • Vashi Sector 26 and Kopri: night haze and burning eyes (Newsband, Feb 2024): link
  • Kopar Khairane, Mahape and Vashi: night stench and breathlessness under winter fog (Newsband, Nov 2024): link
  • Vashi residents say the AQI doesn't match what they breathe (Newsband, Dec 2025): link
  • Haze at Vashi Mini Seashore at dawn (Free Press Journal, Sep 2026): link
  • Kharghar: hard to breathe and sleep, smell of gas and chemicals (Times of India, 2021): link
  • Kharghar and Roadpali residents demand action on Taloja MIDC (Free Press Journal, 2020): link
  • Kharghar resident writes to the Chief Minister about Taloja smells (Free Press Journal, Jan 2025): link
  • Taloja and Kalamboli: AQI turns red, residents report coughs and headaches (Free Press Journal): link
  • State sets up a special team to probe gases from Taloja MIDC (Hindustan Times, Feb 2023): link
  • Bombay High Court warns NMMC over air pollution (Free Press Journal, Jan 2026): link

Official reports:

  • MPCB report listing Navi Mumbai as a "Critically Polluted Area" (Mar 2024): link
  • IIT Bombay and NEERI air quality study for MPCB (2021): link

Petitions by residents:

  • Kharghar, about gases from Taloja MIDC: link
  • Kalamboli, about toxic gas at night: link

Videos from residents (Instagram):

Please comment here if you do end up doing this. Let's do our part.

I will separately be working on RTIs, following official complaint channels & raising it with local corporators, if needed even raise a PIL.


r/navimumbai • • 3d ago

Announcement Do you run a Business in Navi Mumbai? Let’s hear about it! // October 23, 2026

2 Upvotes

If you run a business (big or small) anywhere in Navi Mumbai, this is your space to brag a little! Whether you’ve got a food stall in Nerul, a boutique in Airoli, a startup in Belapur, or a factory in Taloja, we want to hear about it.

Tell us:

  • Your business name
  • Where you’re located
  • What you offer
  • Website / social handles (if allowed)
  • What makes your business special

Let’s support and connect with each other. Navi Mumbai has so much happening - we might be neighbors and not even know it.


r/navimumbai • • 19h ago

Meme Historical character 📍 Juinagar

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383 Upvotes

He might finish all the juice /s


r/navimumbai • • 22h ago

AskNaviMumbai This brand Paid for an ad, got a political poster instead

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183 Upvotes

Spotted this in Vashi. Imagine putting up an ad and having a political poster cover it.


r/navimumbai • • 9h ago

Serious I’m honestly getting tired of living in Mumbai. How much are we supposed to tolerate?

16 Upvotes

I’ve lived in and around Navi Mumbai for all of my life, and honestly, I’m getting increasingly frustrated with the state of this city, Navi Mumbai and the wider metropolitan region. I don’t expect everything to be perfect, but I don’t think expecting basic safety, decent infrastructure and a reasonable quality of life is asking for too much.

Today’s railway disruption and the death of a 21-year-old at Bhandup just brought these frustrations back. Mumbai’s local trains are the city’s lifeline, but overcrowding, people falling from trains, track-crossing deaths and frequent disruptions have become a grim part of everyday life. Thousands of people depend on this system, yet commuting can sometimes feel like risking your life just to get to work or college.

And what’s the alternative? Roads full of potholes, traffic congestion, dangerous driving and pedestrian safety issues. Buses don’t always provide adequate connectivity, autos and taxis are expensive for regular use, and metro connections can be inconvenient depending on where you’re travelling. Even when public transport works, you can spend hours getting from one part of the metropolitan region to another.

Then there’s the pollution. Mumbai’s air quality has become increasingly concerning, while construction, disappearing green spaces and development projects raise questions about how the city is being planned. Some areas face water shortages, yet we see water being sprayed to control dust. Housing is unaffordable for many people, and accessible public spaces, libraries, parks and sports facilities often feel inadequate for a city of this size.

What frustrates me is that even basic necessities like clean air, safe transport and affordable housing increasingly feel like luxuries.

And before someone suggests moving to Pune or a smaller city, those places have their own problems. Pune has metro services, but connectivity remains uneven, while smaller cities often have fewer specialised jobs, educational institutions and career opportunities. India has concentrated so many opportunities in a handful of urban centres that people have little choice but to migrate for education and employment, further increasing pressure on infrastructure.

I understand that migration contributes to demand for housing, transport and public services. But blaming migrants alone misses the bigger picture. Why are opportunities so concentrated in so few cities? Why hasn’t infrastructure kept pace with population growth? Why do debates about language, identity and whether someone speaks Marathi sometimes seem to overshadow these fundamental issues?

Mumbai also has a long history of organised crime, terrorist attacks and other violence. I’m not suggesting the city is uniquely dangerous, but celebrating its resilience shouldn’t mean expecting its residents to endure every problem indefinitely.

I’m 25, trying to finish my degree and figure out my career. The prospect of spending decades dealing with exhausting commutes, financial insecurity, pollution and deteriorating infrastructure is genuinely depressing. I don’t want to spend my life worrying about whether I can get home safely, whether the air I’m breathing is harmful, or whether I’ll ever be able to afford a decent place to live.

I know other countries and cities have serious problems too. I’m not claiming that Europe or the United States is some utopia. But surely we can aspire to better public transport, safer streets, cleaner air and cities designed around the people who live in them.

My question is: do those of you living in Mumbai and the surrounding region genuinely think the quality of life is improving? Or have we become so accustomed to overcrowding, pollution, unsafe commuting and unaffordable living that we’ve stopped expecting better?

And for those who’ve moved to other Indian cities or abroad, has your everyday quality of life actually improved? I’d particularly like to hear about commuting, housing, affordability and access to public spaces.


r/navimumbai • • 14h ago

AskNaviMumbai How to safely confront public creeps/harassers?

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36 Upvotes

My girlfriend and I were in Vashi on the 20th during Durga Visarjan. We stopped by a shop to grab a bottle of water, and she noticed an auto driver continuously staring and leering at her. We ended up not saying anything in the moment just to avoid any safety issues.
It honestly just pisses me off that on a day when everyone is celebrating and worshipping Goddess Durga, women can't even stand on a street without feeling unsafe. It feels like this creepy behavior and street harassment is getting way more frequent around Mumbai and Navi Mumbai lately.
For anyone who has been in a similar situation, how do you usually confront or handle creeps like this safely without worrying about things turning physical?
(Used Ai to articulate this properly)


r/navimumbai • • 20h ago

Serious Satisfaction after tearing this

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84 Upvotes

Teared up

this ugly posters


r/navimumbai • • 10h ago

General Dog Walker neededddd - Vashi!

9 Upvotes

I have a 1.5 year old indie male dog who's been walking with a dog walker since over a year. Now suddenly since the last month or so he absolutely REFUSES to go with the walker, gets defensive, does not leave the house.. but if we walk him till the end of our lane and then hand him over to the walker, he goes happily. Comes back home wagging his tail but the second he enters the house, turns back and starts growling at the walker.

First of all, wtf??? 🤔

Secondly, we trust the trainer with our whole heart, he is very well known in Vashi Sec 28 and has been walking dogs since a decade. We see him walking so many dogs morning and evening, so I don't think he has hit our dog or caused harm.

Does anyone know any dog walkers in Vashi Sec 28 area, we would like to try sending our dog with a new walker to try and figure out what the issue is 🥲

With full time jobs, it's becoming difficult to walk him twice a day, so ideally looking for someone who can come in the mornings and nights!! Any leads would be super duper appreciated!!!!


r/navimumbai • • 35m ago

Photography Guess the place

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• Upvotes

r/navimumbai • • 5h ago

Help Cat parents of Navi Mumbai , help me getting cat litter in bulk .

2 Upvotes

If I buy a sack of 25 kg , it becomes cheaper according to the internet but unable to find a trusted dealer or a brand .

What are you doing ?

Rn , I am buying 5kg packs off amazon which is about 220-250rs per bag .

Someone provide me some leads.


r/navimumbai • • 1d ago

General Mundhe Model 💀

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1.8k Upvotes

r/navimumbai • • 8h ago

General Xbox series S for sale

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2 Upvotes

Hi, I'm looking to sell my Xbox series S

Condition - very good

Price - 30k firm

No issues whatsoever in console or controller


r/navimumbai • • 23h ago

Discussion Dustbins of Navi Mumbai

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35 Upvotes

Not sure who approved of these designs in the NMMC...

  1. They are all metal with the stop portion sticking out which can easily give you a cut.

  2. Some are placed on the road, some on footpaths. They take up parking space n can easily give your car a scratch if u miss judging it.

  3. They are kept open, so not hygienic at all.

We should have better designs which do not inconvenience residents.


r/navimumbai • • 10h ago

General Where do you get mild steroids?

3 Upvotes

Looking for something like Anavar to start with. Have done some research.


r/navimumbai • • 11h ago

AskNaviMumbai Regretting my move to Ghansoli (Sec 23) - daily power cuts ruining my WFH, Need advice!

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I recently changed my job location to Airoli, so I moved from Kandivali to Ghansoli, Sector 23 on rent. However, I am seriously starting to regret my decision. Before moving, the owner and broker clearly told me there are no power cuts or any other major issues in this area.
Since I moved in, I’ve been experiencing unpredictable power cuts every single day. Yesterday was the absolute worst, there was no power from 12 PM to 7 PM. I have a hybrid work culture, so this is completely messing up my work-from-home days and causing me a lot of stress.
I am currently paying ₹22k for a 1BHK unfurnished flat. On top of the electricity issues, I'm realizing this specific area feels incredibly isolated, and the streetlights are barely functional at night, which feels unsafe and depressing. I honestly feel like a dumbass for not checking the ground reality of this specific sector before finalizing.
Here is my dilemma: I have made an 11-month rent agreement. I am extremely anxious and do not want to live here if this is going to be the daily reality. I know for a fact the owner won't pay for an inverter, and even if he agrees to install one, he will definitely use it as an excuse to hike my rent.
Has anyone else lived in or around Ghansoli Sec 23?
1. Is this severe power cut issue just a temporary MSEDCL maintenance thing, or is this the permanent reality of Sector 23?
2. How should I tackle this with the owner?
3. Is it even worth staying here and buying a cheap/second-hand inverter myself, or should I just serve my notice, pack up, and find a better area?


r/navimumbai • • 5h ago

General Anyone meetup in kharghar?

1 Upvotes

Just for a random late night hangout we're 3 guys


r/navimumbai • • 5h ago

General Yoo guyss anyone up for hangout in Navi Mumbai now

1 Upvotes

We’ll chill and talk


r/navimumbai • • 10h ago

AskNaviMumbai Should i move out of home???

2 Upvotes

Am still an undergraduate currently in my last year of btech IT ive been thinking about moving out of home (Navi Mumbai) to hydrabad or any other IT hub ive always wanted to move out of home actually it comes with its own experiences and challenges but yeah am kinda up for it also hydrabad is comparatively quite cheaper than other IT hubs

So if u have anything for me please do let me know in the comments


r/navimumbai • • 6h ago

General Health insurance agent...

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1 Upvotes

r/navimumbai • • 11h ago

Help Seeking guidance on legal surrender of two Indian Star Tortoises in Mumbai

2 Upvotes

A friend of mine is seeking guidance on the appropriate legal process to surrender two healthy, active Indian Star Tortoises, want to ensure they are transferred to an authorized wildlife facility through the Maharashtra Forest Department and receive appropriate long-term care. If anyone has experience with an official surrender process or can recommend a verified wildlife rescue organization that coordinates directly with the Forest Department, please share the relevant official contact details. Pls note they are not looking to sell or privately rehome the tortoises.


r/navimumbai • • 7h ago

General High Speed Fiber net plans

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1 Upvotes

Add on Diwali offers for limited period


r/navimumbai • • 18h ago

Serious [URGENT - MUMBAI] Blood Donor Dog Needed for 13-Year-Old Dog at Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital, Worli

7 Upvotes

Hi everyone, posting this for an urgent emergency.

My 13-year-old dog, is currently admitted at the Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital in Worli, Mumbai, and is in critical need of an immediate blood transfusion.

If you have a pet dog who meets the donor criteria below and can help save life, please reach out right away.

Donor Criteria:

Age: 2 to 8 years

Body Weight: Above 25 kg – 30 kg

Health History: No history of tick fever in the last 6 months

Medication: Not currently on any chronic medication

Preventative Care: Vaccinations and deworming must be up to date

Note: Donor dogs will need mild sedation during blood collection.

Do dm if you have any leads.


r/navimumbai • • 17h ago

General Save water

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7 Upvotes

Save water


r/navimumbai • • 8h ago

Help MECHANIC

1 Upvotes

Does anyone know good affordable mechanic near seawoods/nerul for RE classic 350 bs3


r/navimumbai • • 8h ago

General Looking for a Room/Flatmate in Airoli, Ghansoli, Rabale or Nerul

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1 Upvotes