BMC in action: Cracks down on construction sites breaking pollution norms

Mumbai: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been inspecting the construction sites in all parts of the city amid rising air pollution in the financial capital of the country. The BMC has taken action against 438 sites in two months across the city for failing to follow the guidelines set by the civic body. Officials report that 878 show cause notices have been issued against violators failing to follow the dust control norms. Private and government projects both come in this segment.

Overall, show cause notices were issued against 46 percent of government sites. This makes it clear that despite warnings, contractors appointed by the government did not take the guidelines seriously to control the air pollution on the working sites. BMC introduced 28 mandatory guidelines to reduce dust and pollution at construction zones in 2023, including covering the sites with green cloths, installing pollution measurement machines, water misting, and so on.

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Some areas are facing more action than others. The N Ward (Ghatkopar, Vikhroli) topped the list with 250 notices, followed by R-Central (Borivali) with 213 and D Ward (Malabar Hill, Girgaum, Tardeo) with 126. For stop work notices, R-Central led again with 135 notices, and K-West (Andheri, Vile Parle West) followed with 120.

The initiative taken by the BMC has made it clear that rules have to be followed by everyone; it does not matter who is building the site. Every ward has a team to see the construction sites. If anyone breaks the norms, then a first show cause notice is given against them; if they ignore it, then a stop work notice is issued. If any site assures to follow the rules, then the stop-work notice is cancelled.