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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed the suspension of all construction activities in Byculla and Borivli East following sustained Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above 200, indicating "poor" air quality. The directive applies to private and public projects, including civic and state infrastructure initiatives. Monitoring of AQI levels in Worli and Colaba-Navy Nagar will determine if similar measures are necessary there. Non-compliance could result in legal action against violators under the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act and the civic body has pledged stricter enforcement of these measures.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered a complete stop to all construction work in Byculla and Borivli East within the next 24 hours due to poor air quality. These areas have recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of over 200, which is classified as "poor." Construction activities will only resume if the sites follow the BMC's 28-point guidelines for reducing dust pollution. Advertisement
Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani announced that the ban includes both private projects and government infrastructure work. He warned that construction sites continuing work despite the order would face legal action under Section 52 of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act, which includes non-bailable offences. The BMC has already issued stop-work notices to 286 sites across Mumbai.
The civic body will monitor AQI levels in Worli and Colaba-Navy Nagar for a few more days. If air quality does not improve, construction and industrial activities in these areas will also be stopped. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has restricted new ready-mix concrete plants and directed that existing plants in the city be fully covered.
The BMC is also taking steps to reduce pollution from other sources. Since November, it has cleared 342 tonnes of road dust and started shutting down bakeries that use wood as fuel. It has also responded to 350 complaints received on its Mumbai Air app.
According to the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI of 0-50 is considered in the 'good' category while 51-100 falls in the satisfactory category. If the AQI breaches the 100 mark, it is classified as 'moderate' while above 200 till the 300 mark goes under the 'poor' category. An AQI above 300 is in the 'very poor' category while anything above 400 is deemed to be severe.
While some parts of the city, like Byculla and Malad, are seeing moderate AQI levels, areas like Borivli are much worse. The BMC is focusing on construction dust and vehicle emissions, which are the biggest contributors to the city's pollution problem. With over 2,200 construction projects ongoing in Mumbai, officials are working to enforce strict rules to improve air quality.
The BMC's decisive actions underscore the urgency of tackling Mumbai's air pollution crisis. While AQI levels in some parts of the city remain moderate, the civic body's focus on enforcing compliance, restricting pollutant-generating activities, and addressing public complaints aims to mitigate the health risks posed by pollution. The success of these measures will depend on sustained efforts and cooperation from all stakeholders involved.
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