Mumbai Air Quality Shows Steady Improvement As BMC Intensifies Crackdown On Polluting Sites

Stronger winds and strict civic enforcement over construction activities have contributed to a noticeable rise in Mumbai’s air quality since November 26, officials say. Ninety-four mobile squads now monitor violations across the city.

Undercover Editor News Agency | Editor – Mahesh Rathod

Mumbai:

Mumbai’s air quality has shown a significant improvement over the last few days, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) attributing the positive shift to a combination of stricter enforcement and favourable weather conditions. According to civic officials, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has continued to recover steadily since 26 November 2025, with the most remarkable progress seen in the last 48 hours.

Wind Speeds Rise, Helping Clear Pollutants

Meteorological data indicates that wind speeds in Mumbai had remained low—around 3–4 km/hour—until 28 November. The sluggish air movement had worsened pollution levels in the city. However, wind speed has now increased to 10–18 km/hour, helping disperse suspended particulate matter and improving overall air quality.

BMC Tightens Action Against Non-Compliant Construction Sites

Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani has ordered continued and uncompromising enforcement against private construction sites, government projects and contractors found violating pollution-control guidelines.

Over the past week, several sites have received stop-work notices for failing to follow the mandatory 28-point dust-control and environmental compliance framework.

Gagrani clarified that Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4 is not currently applicable to Mumbai, but emphasised that precautionary measures will continue with the same intensity.

94 Mobile Squads Deployed Across All Wards

To ensure citywide compliance, the BMC has deployed 94 mobile inspection squads across all municipal wards.

These teams are tasked with:

• Inspecting private construction sites
• Monitoring large civic works like metro, road and pipeline projects
• Checking sensor-based AQI monitors installed at work sites
• Issuing warnings and penalties for irregularities

Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi is supervising the daily operations of these squads to ensure strict execution on the ground.

Cleaner Fuels, Dust Control & Public Awareness Drives

Officials said multiple anti-pollution measures are being implemented simultaneously:

• Misting machines at major junctions and dust-prone roads
• Road washing to reduce dust levels
• Conversion of bakeries and crematoriums to cleaner fuels
• Large-scale cleanliness drives across the city
• Awareness campaigns urging citizens to avoid waste-burning
• Coordination with Mumbai Port Authority to stop bonfires inside port premises

The civic body noted that these combined efforts, supported by better weather conditions, have contributed to the recent improvement in AQI.

BMC Appeals For Continued Cooperation

The BMC has urged all private developers, government departments, semi-government agencies and citizens to strictly follow pollution-control rules to maintain the improving trend.

Commissioner Gagrani also appealed to bakeries and small industries to transition to clean fuels at the earliest.

“The improvement in Mumbai’s air quality is the result of collective effort. We need continued discipline and cooperation from every stakeholder to ensure long-term progress,” the administration stated.