Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued intimation notices to 474 contractors and real estate firms for failing to comply with environmental management plans and 27-point dust mitigation guidelines. Amid a moderate Air Quality Index (AQI) of 144 recorded earlier this week, the BMC emphasised stricter directives for construction sites, including deadlines to install sprinklers and anti-smog guns. The transport department warned of action against uncovered debris transport. The Bombay High Court, expressing concern over the city's deteriorating air quality, urged authorities to detail measures being implemented under existing laws.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sent notices of intimation to 474 contractors and real estate companies engaged in diverse infrastructure and building construction projects across the city. The notices were issued for failing to submit environment management plans and for not complying with the civic body's 27-point guidelines for dust mitigation. Advertisement
If the notices remain unaddressed, civic officials will issue either a show-cause notice or a stop-work notice during their subsequent visit to these sites, according to an official from the BMC's environment department. The official explained that, under the environmental management plan, contractors are required to inform the BMC about ongoing work, potential pollution sources, and the measures being implemented to mitigate them, such as water sprinkling and fogging.
Last week, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 144, categorised as moderate. In response to worsening AQI levels, the BMC had issued 27 detailed guidelines aimed at construction sites, including government projects, requiring compliance within a month. The transport department had also warned of strict action, including seizing trucks and tempos carrying uncovered construction debris, within a fortnight.
Most of the guidelines focused on controlling dust emissions. The civic body had instructed construction sites to procure and install sprinklers within two weeks and set up anti-smog guns within a month.
A few days later, the Bombay High Court took suo motu cognisance of Mumbai's worsening air quality. The court observed that air quality was deteriorating daily and expressed concerns over the situation across the city. During the hearing of a public interest litigation earlier this week, the court directed the authorities to clarify the measures being implemented under existing laws to address the issue.
In conclusion, Mumbai's declining air quality has triggered stringent measures by the BMC and the judiciary. By issuing notices and setting strict timelines for dust control, the civic body aims to mitigate pollution at construction sites. However, the problem persists, as highlighted by the High Court's intervention and insistence on accountability. Collaborative efforts by all stakeholders, including contractors, civic authorities, and the judiciary, are crucial for addressing this pressing environmental concern and improving air quality across the city.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
