GRAP-IV imposed in specific locations to improve air quality in Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation imposed GRAP-IV measures to curb Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality, which saw a sharp decline in recent days. The BMC commissioner stressed that air quality is closely monitored at 32 locations across Mumbai.

BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani attributed the worsening pollution to natural and human-created factors. He explained, “In the past few days, the pollution in the city has been increasing. We can bifurcate pollution into two categories – natural and human-created pollution. The main cause of human-created pollution is due to dust arising from construction, pollution from traffic, and emissions from cooking.”

He added, “For pollution caused by construction, we had already issued guidelines. Extreme measures, such as stop-work notices, were also given. Actions are consistently taken, and even offences will be registered (non-bailable). In areas where the AQI has consistently remained above 200, we have immediately decided to stop construction work. Byculla and Borivali are the two locations affected.”

The commissioner stressed that air quality is closely monitored at 32 locations across Mumbai. The data collected is being used to implement targeted interventions to curb pollution. As part of these efforts, the BMC has taken strict measures against pollution caused by construction activities.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the initiative, stating, “MMR’s development must align with our environmental priorities. These measures reaffirm our government’s dedication to building a sustainable and healthy urban ecosystem for “MMR’s development must align with our environmental priorities. These measures reaffirm our government’s-dedication to build a sustainable and healthy urban ecosystem for future generations.

“Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman, MMRDA, stated, “Improving MMR’s air quality is a priority for all of us. The stringent measures undertaken by MMRDA will be instrumental in controlling pollution caused by construction activities. While implementing developmental projects, we equally emphasise environmental protection. We are committed to building a cleaner and more sustainable MMR.”

Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has issued stringent guidelines to curb dust pollution caused by construction activities. These measures are a critical step toward improving Mumbai’s air quality and ensuring sustainable urban development, said a press release.

The new guidelines outline immediate actions to control dust, monitor construction activities, manage debris, and regulate vehicle transport at MMRDA project sites. The initiative underscores the authority’s commitment to addressing environmental concerns while continuing its developmental efforts.

Key measures announced include dust control, monitoring and management, debris management, and vehicle regulation. To ensure strict compliance, MMRDA has introduced a robust penalty structure for contractors failing to adhere to these guidelines. Non-compliance will attract fines starting from Rs 5 lakhs for the first instance, escalating to 20 lakhs and work suspension for repeated violations, the release added.