Mumbai, Nov 28: Mumbai’s air quality remained a major public health concern on Friday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 281, placing it firmly in the “unhealthy” category.
The city woke up under a thick layer of smog as pollution levels continued to rise. Several localities including Nagpada, Mazgaon, Deonar, and Malad recorded persistently poor AQI readings throughout the day.
In response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has enforced GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan) measures in the worst-affected zones. These steps include intensified road washing, strict inspection of construction sites, and penalties for units violating pollution norms. The civic body has also issued stop-work notices to 53 construction sites flagged as major contributors to deteriorating air quality.
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court dismissed the state government’s claim that volcanic ash from Ethiopia was responsible for Mumbai’s pollution, stressing the need for stronger local action to curb emissions.
Health advisories have been issued across the city, urging residents to wear protective masks and reduce outdoor exposure. Vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, and people with respiratory ailments have been advised to stay indoors to avoid health complications like breathlessness, coughing, and throat irritation stemming from the poor air quality.