Mumbai has activated the highest level of pollution-control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) after air quality in several parts of the city slipped into the “very poor” and “severe” categories. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that multiple localities – including Mazgaon, Deonar, Malad, Borivali East, Chakala–Andheri East, Navy Nagar, Powai and Mulund – recorded sharply rising pollutant levels over the past few days, prompting emergency restrictions.
Under GRAP-4, all construction and dust-generating activities in the affected zones have been halted. Officials have already issued stop-work and shutdown notices to dozens of sites found violating pollution-control norms. Small industrial units such as bakeries and marble-cutting workshops have also been directed to immediately adopt cleaner processes or face closure. To ensure strict monitoring, the BMC has deployed special “flying squads” across all wards, comprising engineers, police personnel and GPS-enabled vehicles to track emissions and enforce the new rules.
Pollution levels have been fluctuating sharply since mid-November, with several areas recording AQI readings far above safe limits. Health complaints among residents – including eye irritation, breathing difficulty and throat discomfort — have increased as smog and suspended particulate matter intensified across the city. Authorities have advised citizens, particularly children, senior citizens and those with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor activities until conditions improve.
The BMC has stated that GRAP-4 restrictions will remain in place until air quality stabilises for several consecutive days. Officials emphasised that more stringent actions could follow if pollution hotspots continue to show high AQI levels. As Mumbai enters a colder and more stagnant winter period, civic agencies are intensifying monitoring and enforcement to prevent further deterioration.
