Mumbai Congress announces 10-point plan to combat air pollution in city

The Mumbai Congress on Sunday unveiled a comprehensive 10point action plan aimed at tackling the cityrsquos worsening air quality and growing environmental challenges reported the PTINamed ldquoMumbai Congress Mission ndash Wipe Out Pollutionrdquo the plan outlines immediate mediumterm and longterm measures to improve air quality and ensure citizen health and environmental sustainability party leaders saidFormer Maharashtra minister and Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad presented the plan at Marine Drive alongside senior party leadersIn a post on X Gaikwad criticised the current state government for neglecting the environment blaming unregulated construction and contractorfriendly policies for poisoning the cityrsquos air She described the city as ldquochoking under smog and the BJPrsquos lsquocontractor rajrsquordquo and reiterated that clean air is a fundamental right for all Mumbaikars5100 Mumbaikars die every year because the government looks the other wayThis is a health emergency and Congress is the only party with a planWe donrsquot want excuses we want clean air Mumbai Congress has launched the Clean Air Action Plan Manifesto We will fight forhellip pictwittercomoGgHVLscmmmdash Prof Varsha Eknath Gaikwad VarshaEGaikwad November 30 2025The plan includes strict restrictions during high pollution episodes nighttime construction curbs when AQI reaches 200ndash300 halting nonessential construction above 300 and stopping all dustgenerating activities when AQI exceeds 400 The Congress also proposed prioritising protection for vulnerable groups such as children senior citizens patients and labourers including the installation of air purifiers in schools and distribution of N95 masks Outdoor school activities would be suspended whenever the AQI crosses 200 according to the PTIA major component of the plan ldquoGreen Mumbai 2030rdquo focuses on increasing the cityrsquos green cover The initiative aims to plant one million trees over the next five years implement tree plantations near large construction sites protect mangroves and forests like Aarey and develop vertical gardens along metro pillars and flyovers party leaders said as per the PTITo improve accountability the Congress has proposed the creation of a Mumbai Clean Air War Room a 247 monitoring and rapidresponse system along with an air quality management department Annual wardlevel air quality audits and monthly review meetings involving NGOs and citizens will ensure transparency Joint inspection teams will enforce compliance and take strict action against violators the news agency reportedFor longterm structural improvements the plan calls for mandatory AQI impact assessments for all infrastructure projects development of green corridors and breathing zones and creation of safe perimeters around major project sites An upgraded GRAPstyle graded response system tailored for Mumbai would automatically implement pollution restrictions during spikes reported the PTIThe Congress stated that the mission aims to balance urban growth with environmental responsibility addressing unchecked dust emissions continuous construction and the loss of greenery as key factors worsening the cityrsquos air qualitywith PTI inputs