Amid worsening air quality in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a significant step to address the issue. The BMC has issued a warning that it will halt construction activities in Mumbai, regardless of whether they are on private or government properties, if proper dust and pollution control measures are not implemented. The decision comes as data from the Central Pollution Control Board revealed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in various areas of the city exceeded 200, categorized as “poor,” during the day.
Municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, who is acting as administrator of the civic body, held a meeting with all stakeholders to address the alarming air pollution levels in the city. Chahal stated, “At all these places where construction is ongoing, dust and pollution control measures should be implemented. Otherwise, construction will be stopped, be it private or government work.”
With construction activities happening at approximately 6,000 sites in the city, addressing the dust and pollution generated by these activities has become a top priority for the BMC. These measures are aimed at improving air quality, especially in light of the city’s poor AQI.
Among the suggested measures to address the air quality issue are the compulsory use of 35-feet high iron sheet enclosures around construction sites, covering under-construction buildings with green cloth or jute sheets on all sides, providing sprinkler systems at all construction sites within 15 days, and supplying anti-smog guns within 30 days.
Anti-smog guns, in particular, have proven effective in mitigating air pollution by spraying fine droplets of water into the air to capture and settle particulate matter. These guns are being deployed on 50 to 60 major roads in Mumbai to help reduce pollution levels.
Furthermore, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the BMC will send experts to verify the level of pollution caused by refineries, Tata Power plant, and the RCF plant. These experts will check these sites for pollution control measures to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Government agencies executing metro, road, and other projects are also under scrutiny to ensure that construction sites are enclosed and that they provide sprinkler systems and anti-smog guns to combat pollution.
Vehicles transporting construction debris must adhere to strict regulations. They should be covered properly with tarpaulin sheets to prevent dust and particulate matter from escaping. Overloading and vehicles that are past their service life or do not have a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will face stringent action from the transport commissioner’s office.
The BMC’s actions reflect the urgency of addressing air quality issues, especially as Mumbai residents grapple with worsening air pollution. The decision to halt construction if proper control measures are not implemented underscores the civic body’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents.
As part of these measures, the BMC is also planning to issue standard operating procedures (SOPs) or guidelines aimed at improving air quality. The release of these guidelines is planned for Monday, and they will provide a framework for construction sites to follow in order to minimize the impact of their activities on air quality.
Improving air quality in Mumbai is essential to protect the health of the city’s residents and mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution. By taking a proactive stance on construction activities and enforcing strict measures to control dust and pollution, the BMC aims to create a healthier and safer environment for all.
