Mumbai Cracks Down on Polluting Construction Sites: 66 in Borivali & Byculla Halted Amid Air Quality Concerns
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took a decisive step in its ongoing effort to combat deteriorating air quality by issuing stop-work orders to 66 construction sites in the city’s R-Central ward, which covers areas like Borivali East and Byculla. This latest action is part of a broader crackdown aimed at curbing dust pollution from construction activities. Just one day earlier, similar measures had been enacted in other parts of Mumbai, including Borivali East, where 45 sites were halted, and Byculla, where 33 sites, including critical Metro 3 works, were temporarily shut down.
The trigger for these actions is the failure of these sites to adhere to pollution control guidelines that aim to reduce dust emissions during construction. With air quality reaching hazardous levels, the BMC has escalated its enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4), a set of directives aimed at managing pollution in Mumbai’s already strained environment.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has been at the forefront of these efforts, stressing that construction projects will not be allowed to resume unless they fully comply with air pollution mitigation measures. Even if a site has adhered to these guidelines, work will remain suspended until air pollution levels are brought under control. This directive affects both public and private sector projects, with significant repercussions for ongoing developments, including the Metro 3 project in Byculla. Among the 33 stop-work notices issued in Byculla, 25 were directed at BMC and government-run projects, while the remaining 8 targeted private developers. The situation is not limited to Mumbai’s borders. In the nearby Thane and Panvel regions, authorities have taken similar actions. The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) issued show-cause notices to 39 construction sites for non-compliance with dust control measures. Meanwhile, the Panvel City Municipal Corporation served notices to 164 builders across its jurisdiction, signaling a region-wide push to enforce environmental standards.
The BMC’s response to the crisis includes surprise on-site inspections by Commissioner Gagrani, who personally visited high-profile construction projects, including the Metro 3 site at Mumbai Central. During his inspections, Gagrani closely monitored the sites to determine whether they were following pollution control protocols, which include measures like dust suppression and the use of water sprays to prevent airborne particles. Gagrani’s visit also extended to the SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) station, where he assessed the current air quality levels and gained insight into the broader environmental impact of ongoing construction activities.
The situation is dire. According to TMC reports, out of 297 monitored construction sites, only 31 were fully compliant with pollution control guidelines, while 151 showed significant deficiencies. In response, the TMC has imposed penalties and set deadlines for the rectification of deficiencies. Moreover, 39 sites have been warned of immediate suspension if they fail to comply. Panvel City Municipal Corporation has extended its focus beyond construction sites to include other potential sources of pollution, such as bakeries and restaurants, urging them to adhere to environmental regulations. This holistic approach underscores the urgent need to address pollution from all angles.
While the BMC’s enforcement measures may cause delays in key infrastructure projects, they reflect the city’s commitment to prioritizing environmental health in the face of a growing pollution crisis. With air quality levels in Mumbai often dipping into hazardous zones, the authorities’ actions are a stark reminder of the need for urban development to align with environmental responsibility. As citizens, it is essential to stay informed about these developments and recognize the broader impact of construction on air quality, urging further accountability and adherence to environmental norms in the future.
