The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sent a strong message to more than 100 contractors and real estate firms in Mumbai, warning them to strictly adhere to dust mitigation norms or face punitive measures. As the city grapples with deteriorating air quality, the BMC issued a new set of guidelines, giving builders and contractors one month to acquire essential equipment to combat air pollution. The move is part of a comprehensive effort to enhance Mumbai's Air Quality Index (AQI).
Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is grappling with the pressing issue of deteriorating air quality. In response to this growing concern, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a stern warning to over 100 contractors and real estate firms involved in private and government projects. The civic body has left them with no room for ambiguity, warning that they must adhere to stringent dust mitigation norms or brace for punitive action.
The BMC's latest move is part of a comprehensive effort to combat the escalating air pollution problem that has gripped the city, primarily focusing on the P North civic ward, which encompasses the western suburb of Malad. Poor air quality in Mumbai has prompted the civic authorities to take drastic steps to ensure cleaner air for its residents.
The BMC's proactive stance materialized with the recent issuance of new guidelines for air pollution mitigation in the city. Builders and contractors have been given a one-month grace period to acquire essential equipment, such as sprinklers and fogging machines, for their construction sites. Although no stop-work notices have been issued as of yet, the BMC's notice serves as a clear warning to all involved parties to immediately implement basic preventive measures against air pollution.
In a significant move, the BMC's P-north ward has directed the contractor overseeing the ambitious Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project in the western suburbs to adhere to air pollution mitigation guidelines. The notice explicitly states, "All construction work, including roads, drains, and bridges, must be carried out with proper permission for construction and demolition. CCTV cameras should be installed at all sites to monitor vehicle movements." Failure to comply with these directives will result in severe consequences, as per the municipal commissioner's instructions.
Further intensifying the fight against air pollution, Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar, who serves as the guardian minister of Mumbai district, unveiled plans to implement six innovative technologies aimed at reducing air pollution in the financial capital. Among the notable initiatives, 350 buses of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) will be equipped with "vehicle-mounted filters" to eradicate impurities from dust and other particulate matter.
As of the latest data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India), Mumbai's overall AQI was recorded at 138, categorizing it as "moderate." However, the air quality at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on a recent Friday morning was classified as "very poor," with an AQI of 301, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In conclusion, the BMC's uncompromising stance against builders and contractors who fail to adhere to dust mitigation norms represents a pivotal step in the ongoing battle to combat air pollution in Mumbai. With stricter regulations and innovative technologies on the horizon, there is renewed hope that the city's air quality can be significantly improved, enhancing the well-being of its residents.
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