As Mumbai enters its second summer stint, deteriorating air quality and increased pollution due to dust and smog have become pressing concerns. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) plunging to as low as 119 prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to adopt a proactive approach to tackle the issue. The BMC outlined its comprehensive strategy for smog control and monitoring construction activities.

In response, Municipal Corporation Commissioner and Administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal conducted a joint review meeting with various relevant departments to assess the situation. The BMC subsequently declared that, should measures to curb dust and pollution not be promptly implemented, both private and government construction projects throughout the city will be halted. New guidelines for dust and pollution control will be issued by the BMC.

The alarming air pollution is attributed to construction activities at approximately 6,000 sites across Mumbai. The increase in air pollution has been linked to climate change’s impact on air quality. In light of this, a meeting involving various developer organizations such as CREDAI, MCHI, NAREDCO, PEATA, along with BMC, MMRDA, MHADA, SRA, MMRCL, MIDC, and other relevant departments, was convened. The meeting concluded with a stern warning from Chahal that the new guidelines for dust and pollution control must be diligently followed by all agencies and institutions, or stringent action will be taken.

The BMC has imposed the requirement for construction sites to enclose buildings with 35-foot high sheets to prevent dust, and a mandate to cover the entire construction area with cloth. Furthermore, the BMC instructed the installation of sprinklers at all construction sites within fifteen days and a smog gun system within a month. In addition, major city roads will be treated with smog guns to enhance air quality.

Air quality will be closely monitored around refineries. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has appealed to other municipal corporations and organizations in the Mumbai region to expedite these measures.

Mumbai’s guardian minister, Deepak Kesarkar, acknowledged that ongoing development projects such as metro construction have contributed to dust pollution. Efforts are being made to explore solutions, including installing pollutant-absorbing machines and replacing hand carts with battery-operated vehicles.

A high-level meeting, held on a Friday, included prominent officials from various government departments and representatives from the construction and development sectors like CREDAI, MCHI, NAREDCO, and PEATA.

To combat the issue, strict regulations and guidelines have been set for construction sites, including covering large sites with iron or sheets, enforcing sprinkler systems to control dust, and installing smog gun systems. There are also measures in place for construction material transportation and inspections to ensure compliance with pollution control measures.

In conclusion, the BMC has undertaken a comprehensive approach to address the pressing issue of air pollution caused by construction activities in Mumbai, prioritizing the health and well-being of its residents.

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