Mumbai: BMC’s Graded Response Action Plan Shows Mixed Results in Borivli East and Byculla

Mumbai, 2nd January 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) graded response action plan to address the poor air quality index (AQI) in Borivli East and Byculla has yielded mixed outcomes. While the AQI at the two monitoring stations in Borivli (98 and 69) improved to satisfactory levels by Wednesday evening, Byculla’s station showed only slight improvement, with the air quality remaining in the “higher not-satisfactory” zone.

In response to rising AQI levels, BMC suspended all construction activities, both public and private, in Borivli East and Byculla on Tuesday. This action was part of the graded response action plan (GRAP-4), as the AQI readings in both areas had consistently exceeded 200, a level classified as “poor.” This can pose a significant health risk to individuals with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems.

By Wednesday, residents in Borivli and Byculla reported varying experiences. Samruddhi Kolge from Byculla mentioned that some of her neighbours experienced respiratory issues, while Borivli resident Sulabha More observed noticeably cleaner air in her area. Other parts of Mumbai, such as Worli and Colaba, recorded AQI levels ranging from lower non-satisfactory to satisfactory.

V.M. Motghare, joint director of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), noted that BMC’s actions to halt around 2,000 construction projects in Borivli, along with an increased sea breeze, significantly reduced pollution levels. However, Byculla, with its higher population density and ongoing road work, still requires further improvements. Motghare added that the city’s unusually high moisture levels have contributed to persistent smoggy conditions. Both MPCB and BMC are continuing collaborative efforts to lower pollution levels in areas with AQI readings above 200.