Mumbai: GRAP-4 measures a knee-jerk response primarily based on directors’ intestine emotions than science, says setting scientist | Mumbai Information

The BMC lately applied GRAP-4 measures within the metropolis. Do you suppose they’re sufficient?
Graded Response Motion Plan-4 (GRAP-4) measures are primarily based extra on intestine emotions than science. It’s an administrative knee-jerk response and nobody is analysing the impression of such measures. For instance, underneath GRAP-4, BMC suspended all development works in Byculla or Mumbai Central space the place the true downside was burning of strong waste. In Borivali (East), focusing on builders was positive as development actions have been the principle contributor in that space. Authorities ought to regularly implement GRAP-1 to 4. Sure industries produce a number of pollution that aren’t monitored, the place new expertise reminiscent of set up of molecular filters or catolor absorbents might help.

Are air high quality monitoring stations in Mumbai and surrounding areas enough and efficient sufficient?
No, they don’t seem to be. Information from these stations just isn’t enough to correctly perceive the true sources. Authorities are planning to purchase extra air high quality monitoring cellular vans nevertheless it is not going to assist. We have to accumulate it from increased up within the air or else we are going to solely measure floor degree mud that won’t get an efficient resolution. Lengthy vary transport of pollution may be estimated utilizing blimp-based sensors however BMC just isn’t even contemplating it. Previously few days, whereas AQI ranges have been exhibiting ‘reasonable’ on displays, the air was visibly dangerous with haze. These variations could possibly be attributable to humidity influences and secondary aerosol formation within the environment. It wants detailed investigation.

You had carried out a examine on air pollution by way of bakeries within the metropolis. What did you discover and what measures are required?
Practically 40 % of bakeries use scrap wooden that has paints, varnish and glues on it, emitting pollution. Round 45% of them have been utilizing electrical energy for the oven and the remaining have been on piped pure gasoline (PNG). An IIT-Bombay survey discovered that bakeries contributed to three% of town’s air air pollution. We discovered that PNG is a extra sustainable power supply with the bottom carbon footprint and cheaper than electrical energy.

How is dangerous air high quality affecting the life of individuals within the metropolis and what’s the means ahead?
There are a whole bunch of circumstances of poor lung well being within the metropolis over time which aren’t correctly recognized to establish whether or not they’re brought about attributable to poor air high quality. The authorities ought to have a holistic method and discover progressive methods to with it in a scientific method in the long run.