Mumbai Air Quality: BMC Halts Demolition Work Over Dust Pollution in Andheri West
Residents of Andheri West in Mumbai were left grappling with dust pollution as the demolition of an old building at P Tandon Marg, opposite Infinity Mall, took a toll on the air quality in the area. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s K-West ward officials swiftly issued a stop work notice to the developer on Monday morning prior to the demolition work. However, despite the notice, the builder proceeded with the demolition, prompting BMC officials to intervene and halt the work immediately.
BMC Takes Action Across the City
This incident in Andheri West is not an isolated case. The BMC has been actively monitoring construction sites across the city to ensure compliance with dust mitigation guidelines. Since November 1, 2024, BMC officials have visited over 1,000 construction sites, identifying lapses in dust control measures at a staggering 856 locations. Subsequently, the civic body issued notices to the defaulters, urging them to adhere to the guidelines.
Strict Measures in Place
Despite the warnings, a significant number of construction sites continued to flout the guidelines, leading the BMC to issue stop-work notices to 462 non-compliant sites. Fortunately, 271 sites took immediate action to implement the necessary dust mitigation measures and had their stop-work notices revoked. However, the remaining 191 sites are still under the stop-work order until they demonstrate compliance with the guidelines.
Upholding Environmental Standards
To combat air pollution resulting from construction activities, the BMC has laid down stringent regulations mandating the use of wind-breaking sheets, water sprinkling, proper debris management, and other dust control measures at construction sites. Additionally, construction projects must now incorporate environmental management plans, air quality monitoring sensors, and vehicle wheel washing facilities to minimize their impact on the environment.
In a bid to further safeguard the city’s air quality, the BMC has decided to halt new trench work approvals, while the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board will not sanction new ready-mix concrete plants in Mumbai. These measures underscore the city’s commitment to upholding environmental standards and mitigating the harmful effects of dust pollution on public health.
As Mumbai strives to combat air pollution and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for its residents, the proactive steps taken by the BMC serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility we all share in preserving our surroundings for future generations. Let’s all do our part in protecting the air we breathe and creating a sustainable environment for all.
