Mumbai morning remained hazy due to drop in AQI; GRAP-4 implemented in most affected areas

A thin layer of smog blanketed Mumbai on Monday (December 1), with parts of Marine Drive appearing hazy and tall buildings along the beach barely visible. The air quality index (AQI) of the city remained around 100 till morning.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Mumbai’s AQI was 111 at 9 am, slightly higher than Sunday’s 103. The financial capital recorded the season’s worst air quality on November 28, when levels slipped into the ‘poor’ category in several areas, reaching 222. On November 27, the overall AQI was 173 or “moderate”.

With pollution levels rising, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) in the most affected areas including Mazgaon, Deonar, Malad, Borivali East, Chakla-Andheri East, Navy Nagar, Powai and Mulund.

What do GRAP-4 sanctions include?

Construction halted: BMC has issued stop work notices at more than 50 construction sites to curb dust.

Shift towards clean processes: Small industries like bakeries and marble-cutting units have been directed to adopt clean technologies or face action.

Flying squad deployed: Special teams – including engineers, police personnel and GPS-tracked vehicles – have been deployed in each ward to monitor emissions and take action against polluting activities.

The civic body says it is working on a “war footing” to control the deteriorating air quality across the city.