The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took a strong stand against air pollution by issuing stop-work notices to two construction sites in Mumbai. The sites, located in Vile Parle and JB Nagar in Andheri East, were found to be violating air pollution control guidelines, leading to concerns about rising air quality issues.
Residents of the localities reported the violations, prompting the BMC to deploy special squads to investigate the matter. At JB Nagar, debris from the demolition fell onto a neighboring chawl, while in Vile Parle, excessive dust was generated due to the lack of proper covering. These violations go against the BMC’s air pollution mitigation guidelines issued in October 2023, which specify measures to reduce dust and particulate matter emissions during construction and demolition activities.
Manish Valanju, assistant commissioner of the K East Ward, confirmed the issuance of stop-work notices to the sites in question. The developers, Chandak Realtors Pvt. Ltd and Kamala Homes & Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd, were directed to halt construction immediately and provide proof of compliance with the guidelines within 24 hours. Failure to do so would result in the removal of all construction materials, machinery, and equipment from the site at the developers’ own risk and cost.
With air quality expected to worsen in November and December, the BMC is intensifying its efforts to ensure that construction sites follow the necessary protocols to mitigate air pollution. Valanju emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines to prevent excessive dust pollution and maintain air quality standards in the city.
It is crucial for construction companies to prioritize environmental concerns and implement measures to minimize air pollution during their activities. The BMC’s swift action in issuing stop-work notices serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding air pollution control guidelines to protect public health and the environment. Developers and contractors must cooperate with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with the necessary protocols and contribute to a cleaner and healthier urban environment for all residents.
