Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken immediate action to address rising air pollution levels by issuing stop-work notices to 78 construction sites in Byculla and Borivali East. This decision follows increasing concerns over air quality and a dense haze that blanketed the city.
Construction Sites Affected
On Tuesday, the BMC halted work at 33 construction sites in Byculla and 45 in Borivali East, areas that had recorded high levels of pollution and consistently poor Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in December. The action is part of efforts to curb the impact of dust and construction debris on air quality, which is a significant contributor to pollution.
Suspension of Road Repair Work
In addition to stopping ongoing construction projects, the BMC has also suspended permissions for new road repair work throughout the city. The decision aims to address minor but important factors contributing to air pollution, including dust from roadwork and construction activities.
Air Quality Index and Monitoring
As of Tuesday, Mumbai’s AQI was recorded at 126, in the moderate category, with PM 2.5 and Ozone 3 being the main pollutants. While the AQI has improved, the BMC is remaining vigilant and monitoring air quality in the affected areas, including Borivali East and Byculla, for the next eight days. The city is taking additional steps, such as deploying workers to inspect construction sites to ensure compliance with air quality control measures.
The BMC’s move comes after it announced the suspension of construction work in areas with an AQI over 200, under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4). The civic body has also been enforcing 28-point guidelines to ensure that construction sites have an Environment Management Plan (EMP) in place. Failure to comply has led to the issuance of stop-work notices and the threat of legal action under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966.
Authorities continue to monitor other high-pollution zones like Navy Nagar and Worli, with further actions expected based on the air quality levels in the coming days.
