GRAP-4 Enforced In Mumbai as Toxic Air Triggers Citywide Restrictions

Mumbai on Sunday invoked the strictest Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) on Sunday night, becoming only the second Indian city after Delhi to impose the emergency-level anti-pollution measures. The decision followed a sharp deterioration in air quality, with several monitoring stations recording AQI levels in the “very poor” (301-400) and “severe” (401-450) categories, including Mazgaon, Deonar, Malad, Borivali East, Chakala-Andheri East, Navy Nagar-Colaba, Powai and Mulund.

Under GRAP-4, all non-essential construction and demolition work has been banned, entry of non-CNG/non-BS-VI diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles into the city has prohibited (except those carrying essential commodities), and brick kilns, hot-mix plants and stone crushers ordered shut. Schools in affected zones shifted to online classes for primary sections, while offices advised to operate at 50 per cent capacity and allow work-from-home wherever possible. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deployed flying squads in all 24 wards and stationed water sprinklers and anti-smog guns at major hotspots.

Civic officials attributed the sudden spike to a combination of low wind speeds, falling temperatures trapping pollutants, widespread construction activity, vehicular emissions and smoke from distant stubble burning in neighbouring states. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) recorded Mumbai’s 24-hour average AQI at 348 by Sunday evening, the worst December reading in five years.

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The stringent curbs come as a shock to residents accustomed to relatively better winter air compared with northern India. Environmentalists warned that without aggressive enforcement, the city’s coastal advantage could be lost permanently. Authorities urged citizens to use public transport, avoid outdoor exercise between 6-10 a.m., and report visible smoke sources, with fines up to ₹20,000 for violations. The measures will remain in force until the AQI drops below 300 for 48 consecutive hours.

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