Mumbai Implements GRAP-4 Restrictions Despite Lower AQI Levels Than Delhi: A Comparative Analysis

Mumbai has officially joined Delhi in battling hazardous air quality levels, with authorities now implementing strict measures to combat pollution.

Mumbai:

As air quality deteriorates significantly in India's financial hub, Mumbai's civic authorities have begun implementing restrictions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4). These stringent measures are now in effect across areas recording 'very poor' and 'severe' Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, which have been causing respiratory distress among residents. The affected zones include Mazgaon, Deonar, Malad, Borivali East, Chakala-Andheri East, Navy Nagar, Powai and Mulund.

GRAP-4 In Mumbai: Key Measures

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has suspended construction and dust-generating activities across these pollution hotspots, with dozens of sites under strict surveillance.

Officials have issued stop-work notices to 50 construction projects and Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) facilities in the most affected wards.

Various small-scale industrial operations including bakeries, marble-cutting units and similar businesses have received directives to transition to cleaner processes or face penalties.

Special enforcement squads have been deployed across every ward to ensure compliance with pollution-control standards and monitor emissions. These teams comprise engineers, police officers, and utilize GPS-tracked vehicles for effective monitoring.

Of the 70 sites inspected by BMC teams, 53 were found violating dust-control regulations and have been served official notices.

Mumbai vs Delhi: Contrasting GRAP-4 Implementation

Mumbai has now entered the same concerning territory as Delhi regarding air pollution. The city has experienced deteriorating air quality with numerous monitoring stations recording AQI values between 200-300, primarily from PM 2.5 and PM 10 particulates, over recent weeks. Last week, the BMC warned it would implement the most stringent controls under GRAP. Notably, this action comes despite Mumbai's AQI readings being substantially lower than Delhi's, where levels have recently fluctuated between 300-400.

In contrast, Delhi's GRAP-4 restrictions typically include:

Prohibition on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers.

Transitioning school classes to hybrid learning models (combining in-person and online instruction), with exceptions for students in Classes 10 and 12.

Work-from-home policies for private sector employees, while government offices operate at 50 percent capacity with remaining staff working remotely.

A complete ban on truck traffic entering Delhi.

Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and surrounding NCR districts.