GRAP-4 Restrictions Imposed in Several Mumbai Localities as Temperature Drops Below 16°C

Mumbai | December 1, 2025:
With air quality deteriorating sharply across Mumbai and winter temperatures plunging to their lowest in over a decade, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has enforced GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan – Stage 4) restrictions in multiple parts of the city. This is the strictest pollution-control protocol, implemented to prevent the air quality from slipping into an emergency zone.

BMC has deployed special flying squads across all wards to monitor violations. More than 50 construction sites have already been served notices for non-compliance, and heavy fines will be imposed on offenders.

Where Are the Restrictions in Place?

GRAP-4 curbs have been enforced in areas where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently remained in the ‘Poor to Very Poor’ category. The affected zones include:

• Mazgaon
• Deonar
• Malad
• Borivali East
• Chakala–Andheri East
• Navy Nagar
• Powai
• Mulund

These areas recorded some of the worst pollution levels in the city. At Wadala and BKC industrial belts, AQI readings touched severe levels. Citywide, Mumbai’s AQI was measured at 277, considered harmful to public health.

What Does GRAP-4 Ban?

Under GRAP-4, the following activities are prohibited:

• All construction and demolition work
• Any dust-generating activities
• Movements that can worsen ambient particulate pollution

Flying squads will conduct surprise inspections to ensure strict adherence.

Coldest November Morning in a Decade

Mumbai recorded an unusually cold morning on 30 November, with the temperature dropping to 15.7°C at Santacruz—making it the coldest November morning in more than ten years.
This was a sharp 6-degree fall compared to the previous day. The last time November saw such low temperatures was in 1950, when Mumbai hit a record low of 13.3°C.

Despite the pleasant chill, visibility dipped across the city due to thick haze, leaving residents grappling with discomfort.

Why Is Mumbai Getting Colder?

Meteorological reports attribute the sudden temperature drop to:

• Clear skies
• Low humidity
• Strong northern winds blowing across Maharashtra

Mumbai entered December with cool mornings but heavy haze still lingering. Experts say that even though temperatures are dropping, air quality is not improving, marking an unusual winter pollution pattern.

Political Reactions

As BMC elections approach, rising pollution levels have triggered political responses. The Congress party has released a 10-point agenda aimed at improving Mumbai’s air quality and tightening environmental regulations.