The Building and Construction Department (BMC) has decided to lower the initially proposed height requirement for tin sheets at construction sites from 35 feet to 25 feet. This decision follows concerns raised by developers and architects about the structural stability of taller tin sheets. While a formal order confirming the change is pending, the BMC is recommending the use of a green cloth above 25 feet. Experts have highlighted the on-site challenges posed by the original guidelines, emphasizing the importance of sturdy sheets to prevent life-threatening incidents. The BMC is also urging other authorities to establish flying squads to monitor compliance with air pollution guidelines.
The Building and Construction Department (BMC) has opted to revise the initially proposed height requirement for tin sheets at construction sites, lowering it from 35 feet to 25 feet. This decision comes after extensive deliberation and in response to pleas from numerous developers and architects expressing concerns about the structural stability of the tin sheets. Originally, the BMC guidelines, issued on October 25, mandated that all project proponents must ensure the installation of tin metal sheets at a minimum height of 35 feet around construction projects surpassing 70 meters in height. However, on Monday, Minish Pimple, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner for the Environment, disclosed that while a formal order confirming the change is yet to be issued, it has been resolved to reduce the height of the tin sheets to 25 feet. Additionally, above this height, the BMC is recommending the use of a green cloth instead. Architect Shirish Sukhatme, former president of PEATA, emphasized the on-site challenges posed by the existing guidelines, particularly in situations where buildings have limited space between the basement and plot boundary. Erecting tall sheets demands substantial foundation space and faces significant lateral pressure. Various considerations, such as wind load, adjacent traffic, and worker safety, must be taken into account. The sturdiness of the sheets is deemed crucial to preventing life-threatening incidents. Sukhatme also raised concerns about the mandated green cloth, which, while meeting regulations, can intensify heat within the confined workspace, posing difficulties for workers. Simultaneously, a meeting took place on Monday involving different government authorities, during which the BMC proposed that organizations such as Mhada, SRA, and MMRDA establish their flying squads to monitor construction site violations outlined by the civic body on October 25. SRA authorities reported that they have already commenced issuing stop-work notices to construction sites not adhering to air pollution guidelines. The BMC urged these authorities to conduct regular monitoring of the sites to ensure continuous compliance with the prescribed measures. Up to now, the BMC has issued 343 stop-work notices to projects found violating air pollution mitigation guidelines, with the majority located in K-East (Andheri East) and H-East (Kalina and Vakola) wards. During Monday's meeting, ward officers were directed to enforce strict measures, including registering a police complaint if a developer fails to discontinue work despite being served with a stop-work notice.
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