Mumbai air pollution: GRAP-4 imposed, what's banned as AQI worsens?
What's the story
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-4 norms amid worsening air quality in Mumbai.
The decision immediately stops all construction work in areas where the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 200, currently Borivali East and Byculla.
"In areas where the AQI index surpasses the 200-mark, we will be stopping work at all construction sites under the GRAP-4 norms," Mumbai's municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said.
Pollution measures
Understanding GRAP-4 restrictions and AQI levels
The GRAP-4 restrictions are included in a winter air pollution control plan that entails a complete ban on construction activities once air quality hits the "severe" category.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorizes AQI levels 0-50 as "good" and 51-100 as "satisfactory."
An AQI between 101 and 200 is "moderate," while those above 200 are "poor."
An AQI above 300 is "very poor," and anything over 400 is "severe."
Pollution control
Mumbai's current AQI and measures to curb pollution
Recent data indicated that Mumbai's AQI was in the "moderate" category with an index value of 121.
Navi Mumbai recorded an AQI of 101, while Thane had a slightly higher index at 150.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has issued notices to over 500 ready-mix concrete plants in the region, mandating full coverage to curb pollution.
Pollution battle
Anti-pollution efforts and challenges in Mumbai
To fight pollution, the city has also pressed mist cannons and water tankers to wash roads. Truck-mounted fog mist canons are being used twice daily across its administrative divisions.
E-sweeper machines are also cleaning roads and footpaths to minimize dust from construction activities.
However, despite all this, Mumbai continues to witness dense fog and smog lingering beyond usual hours. Ongoing construction projects and heavy traffic are believed to contribute significantly to declining air quality.
Emission concerns
Vehicular emissions and health risks in Mumbai
With more than 1.2 million private vehicles plying on city roads, vehicular emissions continue to be a major concern for Mumbai's air quality.
The BMC's proactive steps hope to bring down pollution levels as residents are at risk of health hazards due to poor air quality.
If construction work continues despite the "stop work" notices, developers will face penal action under Section 52 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act.