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The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) sealed a construction and development site operated by Avenue Supermarts Ltd at Plot No. 3-1A, Sector 18, Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, on 21 August 2026 for failing to implement prescribed measures to control dust and air pollution. The action followed an inspection in January by Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, during which several deficiencies were identified, including the absence of protective coverings, water fogging during material handling, dust suppression equipment and protective gear for workers. The civic body said the action was taken in accordance with directions issued by the Bombay High Court in Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation No. 3 of 2023 concerning rising air pollution. NMMC said enforcement against construction sites would be intensified across all municipal divisions.
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) sealed a construction and development site of Avenue Supermarts Ltd at Plot No. 3-1A, Sector 18, Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, on 21 August, after finding that prescribed measures to control dust and air pollution had not been implemented at the site. The action was carried out under directions issued in connection with the Bombay High Court’s Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation No. 3 of 2023.
The High Court, in an order dated 24 December 2025, had directed authorities to implement immediate and effective measures to address increasing air pollution in the city. Following these directions, NMMC had informed developers and construction holders about the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) applicable to noise pollution, air pollution and blasting-related activities at construction sites. The civic body had also communicated the provisions concerning penalties for air and noise pollution violations and the requirement to pay applicable charges.
Developers and construction holders had additionally been instructed to undertake the necessary measures for controlling air and noise pollution before commencing or continuing work. They were required to ensure that dust did not spread across the site’s surrounding 500-metre area and adjoining roads. The notices warned that construction activity could be stopped through a Stop Work Notice if the prescribed measures were not followed.
During an inspection conducted by Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde on 24 January 2026, NMMC identified several shortcomings at the construction site. The buildings under construction had not been enclosed on all sides with green cloth and wet jute-sheet tarpaulins. Water fogging was not being carried out while loading and unloading construction materials, while workers were found without masks, goggles, aprons and other protective equipment.
The inspection also found that a water-spraying system intended to control dust within the surrounding 500-metre area and on roads was not operational. Soil and construction materials being transported were not covered with green cloth. No responsible representative or manager was present at the site during the inspection, while soil and dust were also found on the road and footpath.
NMMC said the deficiencies indicated that adequate measures had not been taken to prevent dust and pollution, despite the requirements arising from the High Court proceedings. The site was therefore sealed on 21 August.
The action was carried out on the instructions of Dr Shinde, under the guidance of Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Rahul Gethe and Deputy Commissioner (Encroachment) Sanjay Shinde, and under the supervision of Turbhe Assistant Commissioner Sagar More. Junior Engineer Vinod Anche and other officials and employees from the Turbhe division were present. Police officers and personnel from the encroachment removal team, along with security guards from the encroachment department, were also deployed.
NMMC said enforcement measures to prevent air pollution would be intensified across all its divisions in the coming period.
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