Mumbai enforces GRAP-4 amid ‘severe’ AQI, but rules differ from Delhi - key differences explained

Mumbai AQI

Mumbai’s air quality has taken a severe hit, leading the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to implement strict pollution control measures under GRAP-4. The move comes as several parts of the city report Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories, causing health concerns among residents.

Areas affected include Mazgaon, Deonar, Malad, Borivali East, Chakala-Andheri East, Navy Nagar, Powai, and Mulund.

BMC’s actions to curb pollution

Under the GRAP-4 restrictions, the BMC has halted construction and other dust-generating activities in the worst-affected areas. Stop-work or shutdown notices have been issued to around 50 construction and Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) sites.

Small industries such as bakeries, marble-cutting units, and other local operations have been instructed to adopt cleaner processes or face penalties.

To ensure compliance, the civic body has deployed flying squads in every ward. These squads, consisting of engineers, police personnel, and GPS-tracked vehicles, are monitoring emissions and enforcing pollution control rules.

Of the 70 sites inspected so far, 53 were found violating dust-control regulations, and notices have been served to them.

How Mumbai’s GRAP-4 differs from Delhi

While Mumbai has invoked its strictest pollution controls, the measures differ from those in Delhi, which has long battled severe air pollution.

In Delhi, GRAP-4 restrictions often include banning BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars, restricting truck entry, halting all construction and demolition activities, and shifting school classes to hybrid mode, except for Classes 10 and 12.

Private companies are advised to allow employees to work from home, while government offices run at 50% capacity.

By contrast, Mumbai has so far focused primarily on construction halts, controlling dust emissions, and monitoring small industrial units. The city has not yet imposed vehicle restrictions or widespread work-from-home mandates.

With several monitoring stations reporting AQI readings above 300, largely due to high PM2.5 and PM10 levels, residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and take precautions, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

As pollution levels continue to rise, the BMC has warned that stricter measures may follow if air quality does not improve.