Mumbai battles toxic smog as GRAP-4 restrictions kick in to tackle rising air pollution across the city. Following Delhi, Mumbai has been pushed into the spotlight for extreme air pollution and emergency pollution controls. Authorities have begun enforcing GRAP-4 rules after the air quality in several parts of the city reached ‘very poor’ and even ‘severe’ levels. Areas affected include Mazgaon, Deonar, Malad, Borivali East, Chakala–Andheri East, Navy Nagar, Powai and Mulund.
Pollution Hotspots and Immediate Actions
To control dust and emissions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has halted construction and other dust-generating activities in these localities. More than 50 construction sites have already received stop-work or shutdown notices. Small industries like bakeries and marble-cutting units have also been warned to switch to cleaner methods or face action.
The BMC has also deployed flying squads in every ward. These teams, comprising engineers, police officers, and GPS-enabled vehicles, are patrolling to identify and address activities that cause pollution.
Over the past few weeks, several areas in Mumbai have recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories. Residents are reporting burning eyes, difficulty breathing, and sore throats, similar to the problems faced by people in Delhi during the winter smog season.
Celebrities Speak Out on Air Pollution
Many celebrities have expressed concern over Mumbai’s worsening air quality on social media. Stand-up comic and actor Vir Das shared a video on Instagram singing, “AQI, AQI, let me die.” Actor and filmmaker Soni Razdan called for urgent action, saying, “Let us not be guilty of allowing apathy to kill us. Because that’s what will happen.” Lyricist and filmmaker Varun Grover highlighted the long-term effects, stating that air pollution doesn’t make headlines because its deadly impact is gradual, it could reduce life expectancy by 10–15 years.
The city’s Congress unit has released a ‘Mumbai Clean Air Action Plan’. The plan includes recognizing clean air as a fundamental right, monitoring polluting activities around the clock, planting 1 million trees, and enforcing stricter pollution rules for vehicles, construction, and industries.
A Wake-Up Call for Authorities
Mumbai’s inclusion among cities with toxic air is a warning for government authorities nationwide. Constant construction, vehicle emissions, and waste burning are steadily polluting the air in major cities. So far, policy measures have failed to address these root causes effectively. Delhi has struggled with poor air quality every winter for years, and now Mumbai has joined the list of severely polluted cities.
GRAP 4 Curbs to Kick In
Last week, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) held a meeting to review the rising AQI levels. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Bhushan Gagrani stated that GRAP 4 restrictions would be enforced if the AQI remains above 200 for three consecutive days. These measures aim to reduce pollution and protect residents’ health before the situation worsens further.
