India, Sept. 27 -- A dense blanket of smog has once again engulfed Navi Mumbai, leaving residents across several neighbourhoods gasping for breath and raising alarm over worsening environmental and public health conditions.

For the past week, localities such as Vashi, Kopar Khairane, Ghansoli, and Sanpada have reported thick smoke accompanied by a pungent chemical odour. The haze, which lingers well into the afternoon after settling in overnight, has reduced visibility to a few metres and triggered widespread complaints of breathing difficulties, sore throats, and sleepless nights-particularly among children and senior citizens.

Residents reject 'fog' explanation

While the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) attributes the haze ...