Thane Civic Body Takes Action Against 39 Builders for Violating Air Pollution Norms
Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has issued show cause notices to 39 builders for failing to adhere to air pollution control norms. The builders, who were initially directed to follow dust pollution control guidelines, have been warned that their work could be halted if they do not provide satisfactory responses to these notices.
The TMC’s efforts to combat construction-related air pollution are part of an ongoing campaign to safeguard the environment and reduce harmful emissions. As part of this initiative, the TMC had earlier instructed 297 builders to comply with guidelines designed to limit dust pollution at construction sites. Out of the total, 31 builders have fully complied, while fines totalling Rs 4 lakh have been imposed on 151 builders for minor violations.
The notices were issued after a comprehensive review by the TMC’s environmental department, which is led by the Additional Municipal Commissioner Sandeep Malvi. The meeting, attended by TMC engineers, representatives from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), metro rail officials, and the police, evaluated the effectiveness of the measures in place. In an effort to track air quality more closely, the TMC has installed air quality measuring devices at 50 construction sites across the city. This initiative is part of the broader plan to reduce pollution levels and ensure compliance with air quality norms. Additionally, the TMC has taken action against the burning of plastic and garbage, imposing fines of Rs 20,000 following nine complaints. The use of firewood in restaurants and hotels has also been banned as part of the efforts to control air pollution. Between March and November 2024, the TMC successfully collected and recycled 7,414 tonnes of construction and demolition debris as part of its waste disposal project. Builders are now required to transport debris in vehicles equipped with GPS tracking systems to ensure transparency and accountability.
In addition to the construction site measures, the TMC, in partnership with the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), has acted against over 5,900 vehicles carrying debris without proper coverage and has fined 4,008 vehicles for lacking valid pollution under control (PUC) certificates. Chief Environment Officer Manisha Pradhan has stated that all builders must use green nets at construction sites to further control dust. In total, fines of Rs 1.7 lakh have been imposed on various entities following complaints related to air pollution. This decisive action taken by the TMC highlights its commitment to improving air quality in the city and holding builders accountable for environmental regulations. As part of its long-term vision for a greener and cleaner Thane, the municipal corporation is intensifying its efforts to enforce pollution control measures across various sectors, from construction to transportation.
