Navi Mumbai Construction Projects Fined ₹1.17 Crore for Air and Noise Pollution
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has taken a decisive step in cracking down on construction sites flouting environmental regulations in the city. In a recent joint inspection conducted by NMMC’s town planning and environment departments, a shocking revelation unfolded – a total of 78 construction sites were found to be in violation of approved standard operating procedures (SOP) designed to curb air and noise pollution.
The violations were spread across various areas of the city, with Nerul leading the pack with 24 non-compliant sites, followed closely by Sanpada with 18 violations. The Airoli/Digha region had 13 infractions, while Belapur, Ghansoli, Vashi, and Koparkhairane also contributed to the staggering tally, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
New Enforcement Measures
The recent crackdown comes as part of a renewed effort by NMMC to ensure strict adherence to environmental norms and regulations. Previously, inspections were carried out at the ward level, but the headquarters has now taken charge of monitoring compliance with SOPs. During the inspections, various violations were identified based on a checklist provided to developers, leading to the imposition of fines in accordance with the severity of the infractions.
Legal Background
The genesis of these stringent measures can be traced back to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Bombay High Court in December 2023, prompting Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde to approve the SOPs on June 19, 2024. These procedures outline specific guidelines aimed at combating air and sound pollution in Navi Mumbai, with a dedicated task force overseeing their implementation and enforcement.
Accountability and Transparency
A senior official from the town planning department emphasized the importance of upholding the SOPs, highlighting the presence of a monitoring mechanism to ensure ongoing compliance. Regular inspections are conducted, and detailed reports are compiled to track adherence to the prescribed norms. Fines are calculated at a rate of ₹50 per square meter of the plot area, with specific criteria outlined in a comprehensive checklist.
In light of these developments, it is evident that NMMC is committed to safeguarding the environmental integrity of Navi Mumbai and holding accountable any entities that jeopardize the city’s ecological well-being. The fines imposed on errant construction sites serve as a stark reminder of the repercussions of flouting environmental regulations, underscoring the importance of sustainable development practices for the future of the city.
