BMC Reports Significant Improvement in Mumbai Air Quality; GRAP-4 Restrictions Not Currently Applicable

The BMC announced a notable improvement in Mumbai's air quality due to pollution-control measures. Show-cause notices were issued to 482 construction sites for violations, while GRAP-4 restrictions are currently not applicable.

Air quality in Mumbai has improved since November 26 due to various pollution-control efforts in the city and suburbs. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that 482 construction sites received show-cause notices for breaching pollution norms. Among these, 264 projects were issued stop-work orders for contributing to poor air quality.

The BMC clarified that the Graded Response Action Plan Stage-4 (GRAP-4), which imposes strict pollution control measures, is currently not applicable in Mumbai. However, officials have been instructed to intensify monitoring efforts. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has ordered continued strict action against both private and public construction projects violating the civic body's 28-point dust and pollution-mitigation guidelines.

Pollution Control Measures and Wind Speed

Improved wind speeds, along with enforcement actions like notices to non-compliant construction sites, misting, water sprinkling, and road-washing, have helped enhance the Air Quality Index (AQI) over the past two days. The wind speed increased from 3-4 kmph before November 28 to 10-18 kmph, aiding in dispersing pollutants in Mumbai.

The BMC has established 94 ward-level flying squads to ensure pollution mitigation measures are implemented effectively. These teams inspect private construction sites as well as road and metro project areas, issuing stop-work notices when violations are found. They also check sensor-based AQI monitoring equipment at construction locations.

Understanding AQI Categories

AQI is a numerical scale used by agencies to indicate air pollution levels in a region. It consists of six categories: good (0-50), satisfactory (51-100), moderately polluted (101-200), poor (201-300), very poor (301-400), and severe (401-500). Mumbai's GRAP-4 regulations mainly focus on construction sites, small industrial units, and related activities.

The BMC noted that apart from enforcement actions, initiatives by bakeries and crematoria to switch to cleaner fuels have also contributed to better air quality. These combined efforts have led to a noticeable improvement in Mumbai's air quality index.

With inputs from PTI