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Following BMC's stop-work orders at 45 construction sites in Borivali East and Byculla, the R-Central ward issued similar notices to 66 additional sites, including Metro 3. The TMC served show-cause notices to 39 sites for non-compliance with dust pollution controls, while the Panvel Municipal Corporation warned 164 builders for pollution violations. Bhushan Gagrani, BMC's commissioner, ordered ongoing restrictions in Byculla until air quality improves. Authorities enforced stringent measures, including dust suppression, air quality monitoring, and environmental management plans. Gagrani inspected multiple sites to assess compliance, while TMC fined 151 non-complying sites and warned 39 for complete violations.
A day after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued stop-work notices to 45 construction sites in Borivali East and 33 sites, including Metro 3 operations, in Byculla under GRAP-4 restrictions, officials took further measures. Recently, the R-Central ward extended these notices to an additional 33 construction sites in Borivali East and another 33 in Byculla's E Ward. In parallel, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) served show-cause notices to 39 construction sites for allegedly breaching dust pollution control regulations. Meanwhile, the Panvel City Municipal Corporation issued notices to 164 builders for failing to comply with pollution control norms. Advertisement
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani directed the administration to uphold restrictions on construction projects in Byculla (E Ward) until the air quality improves substantially. He clarified that the implementation of all air pollution mitigation measures would not immediately resume construction. E Ward issued 33 notices, targeting 25 BMC and other government projects, while eight notices went to private agencies.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the BMC has enforced strict pollution control measures. Developers are now required to shroud construction sites with green fabric and erect perimeter barriers at least 25 feet high, using sheets or metal coverings. Additionally, continuous water spraying, misting plants, scientific storage and transport of dust, air quality monitoring sensors, and vehicle wheel-washing facilities have become mandatory. Developers and contractors must also draft a detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for their projects.
To monitor compliance, Gagrani conducted unannounced inspections of several construction sites. His visits included two private projects in Saat Rasta, the Metro 3 project at Mumbai Central, and a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project near Joseph Baptista Garden in Mazgaon. He also inspected a SAFAR weather monitoring station to review air quality data.
The TMC had previously issued comprehensive guidelines for developers working on approximately 297 construction sites. Of these, only 31 sites fully complied with the regulations. Inspectors found about 151 sites displaying partial compliance, fined the violators, and ordered them to address the shortcomings within a set timeframe. Additionally, officials warned 39 sites for completely disregarding the norms and threatened to suspend their construction activities if they failed to comply.
Similarly, the Panvel civic body has decided to issue notices to bakeries and restaurants contributing to pollution, broadening its focus beyond the construction sector. The civic body has identified numerous establishments causing particulate emissions and intends to impose penalties on non-compliant entities. To further support this initiative, local authorities are considering deploying additional air quality monitoring units across the city.
Additionally, the BMC plans to collaborate with environmental experts to review the effectiveness of its mitigation strategies. By engaging specialists, the administration aims to refine its policies and introduce more robust solutions. These efforts highlight the collective commitment of municipal corporations to address the escalating air pollution crisis, safeguarding public health and promoting sustainable urban development.
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