Construction ban in Borivali-E, Byculla may go as air improves

Two other areas, Navy Nagar in Colaba and Shivaji Nagar in Govandi are still under observation

- Linah Baliga

MUMBAI: Suspension of work at 78 construction sites at Borivali East and Byculla may be lifted in the next 24 hours as the quality of air in these localities has improved significantly. Public and private construction projects had been temporarily halted on December 31, under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) regulations, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai had raised concerns. Two other areas, Navy Nagar in Colaba and Shivaji Nagar in Govandi are still under observation.

Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani told the media on Friday, "Borivali's AQI is currently within the range of 125-140 ('moderate'), indicating that the situation is under control. Byculla will continue to be monitored for the next 24 hours, and if the AQI remains stable, we will lift the construction ban."