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Mumbai: BMC’s graded response action plan to improve the poor air quality index (AQI) at Borivli East and Byculla has delivered mixed results. While the AQI at the two air monitoring stations in Borivli (98 and 69) improved to satisfactory levels by Wednesday evening, the one at Byculla showed minimal improvement and the air quality persisted in the higher not-satisfactory zone.
BMC on Tuesday suspended all construction activities, both private and public, in both Borivli East and Byculla, owing to escalating AQI levels in recent days as part of its graded response action plan (GRAP-4). The initiative was executed locally as AQI monitoring stations had consistently registered readings above 200, classified as poor, which especially can affect the health of individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions and compromised immunity.
On Wednesday, Byculla’s Samruddhi Kolge said some residents in her chawl reported respiratory issues while Borivli’s Sulabha More said the wind was noticeably cleaner in her area. Meanwhile, other areas under BMC’s vigilant monitoring, including Worli and Colaba, displayed readings ranging from lower non-satisfactory to satisfactory levels.
V M Motghare, MPCB joint director (air monitoring), said alongside BMC’s intervention to halt approximately 2,000 construction projects in Borivli, enhanced sea breeze velocity contributed to the substantial reduction in pollution levels. “However, Byculla, being more densely populated and experiencing extensive road works, awaits significant improvement, though interventions have succeeded in reducing pollution below the poor threshold of 200,” he said, highlighting that prolonged moisture-laden atmosphere was an unusual occurrence which has seen Mumbai experience increased smoggy conditions. He said MPCB and BMC were undertaking collaborative measures to reduce pollution in localities been recording AQI above 200.
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