Due to increasing air pollution, the country’s financial capital Mumbai is also suffering. In such a situation, the government has imposed Grape-4 restrictions at many places in Mumbai. With this, Mumbai has also joined Delhi in the list of cities where air pollution has reached dangerous levels. The air quality has been found to be very poor at many places in Mumbai, these include areas like Mazgaon, Deonar, Malad, Borivali East, Chakala Andheri East, Navy Nagar, Powai and Mulund.
Ban on construction work in polluted areas
BMC has banned any kind of construction work and dust blowing activities in these areas, and various construction sites in these areas are being monitored. Notices to stop work have been issued to more than 50 construction sites. Small industries, including bakeries and marble cutting units, have been asked to adopt clean processes or face action. BMC has deployed flying squads in every ward to enforce pollution control measures and monitor emissions. These squads include engineers, policemen and GPS-tracked vehicles and are monitoring polluting activities.
A Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been prepared to reduce the pollution levels. There are four stages in this. In these, measures are taken to reduce pollution, in which many types of restrictions are imposed. After the fourth phase of lockdown is implemented, all construction work is banned. All schools are closed except schools of class 10th and 12th. Also, instructions are given to work from home in government and private offices. Vehicles that cause excessive pollution are also banned.
Over the past few weeks, the air quality index in many areas of Mumbai has been recorded in the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories. Like the people of Delhi, people in Mumbai too have complained of burning sensation in the eyes, difficulty in breathing and sore throat. Many celebrities have also expressed their displeasure over the poor air quality of Mumbai and are demanding the government to take steps to deal with pollution. Opposition parties are also cornering the government on this issue.
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Bombay High Court also expressed concern over increasing pollution
Bombay High Court also expressed concern about the increasing air pollution in Mumbai. Last week, the High Court bench directed the formation of a five-member team which will visit selected areas of the city to inspect the construction sites and check whether the guidelines issued by the BMC are being followed or not. The High Court has also directed to submit the report within ten days. The team constituted by the High Court will include members of BMC, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, state health department and civil society. This team will decide which places are to be investigated.
