(Image source from: PTI)
Strict rules under the Graded Response Action Plan, known as GRAP 4, have been put into effect in some areas of Mumbai due to increasing air pollution in the city, which is the financial center of India. You heard it correctly. Mumbai is now on the same list as Delhi for cities experiencing harmful air quality and GRAP measures aimed at controlling rising pollution levels. Local officials in Mumbai have begun to apply limitations outlined in GRAP 4 as the air quality in many locations went beyond the limits of 'very poor' and 'severe.' This includes places like Mazgaon, Deonar, Malad, Borivali East, Chakala-Andheri East, Navy Nagar, Powai, and Mulund. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which is in charge of Mumbai, has stopped construction work and other activities that produce dust in these areas, while numerous sites are under surveillance. They have issued stop-work notices to more than 50 construction locations. Small businesses like bakeries and marble-cutting workshops have been instructed to switch to cleaner methods or face consequences. Local authorities have set up teams in each area to enforce pollution control rules and check emissions. These teams include engineers, police officers, and vehicles with GPS tracking, and they are investigating places for polluting activities.
In recent weeks, various locations in Mumbai have shown Air Quality Index levels falling into the 'very poor' and 'severe' ranges. Many residents are experiencing discomfort such as itchy eyes, trouble breathing, and sore throats, similar to what people in Delhi are facing. Many celebrities have voiced their frustration about the city's air quality on social media. Comedian and actor Vir Das recently posted a video on Instagram singing "AQI, AQI, let me die." Actor and director Soni Razdan urged for urgent actions to combat air pollution, stating, "We must not allow indifference to harm us. That is what will occur." Lyricist and filmmaker Varun Grover mentioned that air quality does not get the attention it deserves because its harmful effects may take years to become noticeable—potentially shortening one's life by 15 years.
The local Congress party has introduced a 'Mumbai Clean Air Action Plan.' This plan suggests recognizing clean air as a basic right, monitoring polluting actions 24/7, planting one million trees, and enforcing stricter pollution regulations for vehicles, construction, and industries. Mumbai's addition to the list of cities with poor air quality is a signal for government officials across the nation. Continuous construction work, car emissions, and waste burning are gradually contaminating the air in major urban areas. Current policies have made little impact on solving the main causes of the issue, which continues to exist. Delhi has been struggling with air quality every winter for many years, and now Mumbai has joined that fight. Last week, during a BMC meeting regarding the rise in AQI, officials discussed the urgency of taking immediate steps. Dr. Bhushan Gagrani, the Municipal Commissioner, mentioned that GRAP 4 measures will be applied if the AQI rises above 200 for three consecutive days.
