Facing worsening air quality, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai has implemented emergency measures. A construction halt in Borivali East, stricter regulations on construction sites, and increased monitoring using air quality machines are key initiatives.
Mumbai: In view of the conditions of pollution and deteriorating air quality in the city, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corportation (BMC) Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani held a meeting on Monday. After the meeting, Gagrani announced that the BMC has decided to halt all public and private construction work in Boriwali East as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains above 200 in the area.The work will be allowed to resume only after the sites have proved that they have complied by the rules of Dust Mitigation Guidelines, the announcement included. BMC attributed the rising level of pollution to climate change, smoke emitted from vehicles, and dust from construction sites.
For real-time air quality monitoring, the BMC has installed 45 air quality control machines in different parts of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), 28 of which come under its jurisdiction. These machines help in identifying pollution hotspots, allowing for targeted interventions. The civic body has also asked all municipal departments, including the Environment and Climate Change Department, Solid Waste Management, and Roads and Transport, to work in sync to fight the adverse effects of air pollution and climate change.
In a bid to curb construction-related pollution, BMC has issued stringent guidelines for the city’s construction projects. Under these rules, all under-construction buildings must be enclosed with green cloth, jute, or tarpaulin on all four sides to reduce dust emissions. Construction promoters and contractors are also required to submit an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate pollution from their sites.The BMC has been proactive in inspecting construction projects, with 877 inspections conducted from November 2023 to date. Non-compliant projects have been issued notices, with “stop work” orders already imposed on 286 sites.
The BMC is also working to introduce 2,100 single-decker and 200 double-decker electric buses for extending environment-friendly public transport. These buses will add to the existing 299 single-decker and 50 double-decker electric buses, which will help in reducing pollution from traditional vehicles.
The BMC has been on high alert in stopping open burning of waste. Between November 2023 and December 2024, strict action was taken in 352 cases of open burning. The Solid Waste Management Department has also initiated a special cleanliness drive in over 1,252 km of roads and collecting 342 tonnes of dust. Alongside this, 939 tonnes of construction debris have also been cleared from several areas.
Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4), if the AQI crosses 200 mark, the BMC will impose strict measures, including the closure of construction activities and industries. The Mumbai Police will partner with MPCB and will take action against polluting readymix concrete vehicles, stone crushers, and hot mix plants.
Citizen Awareness and Participation
The BMC has also appealed citizens to take proactive steps to protect their health and the environment by adopting public transport, reducing private vehicle usage, and avoiding open burning of garbage. On high AQI days, people are advised to avoid non-essential outdoor activities, bursting firecrackers, and using incense sticks. The BMC also advises the citizens to take a healthy diet and use disposable masks for protection. Higlighting collective action, the BMC calls for cooperation from both authorities and citizens to alleviate Mumbai’s air pollution and ensure a healthier future.