Not just Delhi, but Mumbai too is witnessing an increasing air quality index (AQI). A thick layer of smog engulfed the city as Mumbai recorded an overall AQI at 173, while the maximum air quality stood at 306 in Mazgaon.

Several other areas recorded an AQI in the ‘poor’ category, including Chakala–Andheri East (270), Deonar (274), Malad West (224), Navy Nagar–Colaba (271), Powai (206) and Siddharth Nagar–Worli (205).

According to the AQI scale, readings between 51 and 100 are considered ‘satisfactory,’ 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’ and anything above 400 ‘severe’.

With several areas recording increasing pollution, the civic officials are preparing for strict measures.

A senior civic official told HT that the city may soon activate the next stage of its pollution-control plan.

“If air quality remains poor for the next two days, the government will impose the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 4," the official said.

Under GRAP-4, all work at construction sites must stop until conditions improve. The move is expected to bring down dust levels, which are a major contributor to Mumbai’s winter pollution.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already begun taking action. Notices have been issued to 59 construction sites and ready-mix concrete plants, directing them to stop work due to non-compliance with dust-control norms.

The shutdown will apply to several activities. This includes bakeries and food outlets that use wood-fired ovens, industrial units that release visible smoke, and construction sites that do not have real-time air-monitoring systems in place. Waste-burning spots will also be targeted and shut down.

Officials have said that any violations will lead to strict action. Offenders may face fines, stop-work notices, and even complete closure of their sites.

Source: News18