The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has introduced rigorous guidelines to combat air and noise pollution emanating from construction sites across the city. These newly established standard operating practices (SOPs) mandate several measures designed to mitigate environmental impact and enhance public health.
Among the key directives is the requirement for construction sites to install 6-metre high, continuous dust or wind-breaking metal sheets around their perimeters. Additionally, scaffolding must be covered with tarpaulin or green cloth during demolition activities to minimise dust dispersal. To enforce these standards, NMMC has established a dedicated task force tasked with overseeing compliance. Ward officers are now required to conduct weekly inspections of construction and excavation sites within their jurisdictions until project completion. Violations of the new guidelines will incur stringent penalties, underscoring the city’s commitment to reducing pollution.
Municipal Commissioner has articulated the rationale behind the new measures: “We have been inundated with complaints from residents and representatives regarding noise and air pollution, particularly from blasting activities. The Bombay High Court had previously initiated a suo moto public interest litigation in December last year, which highlighted the need for stricter pollution control measures.” In response, an expert committee led by Additional Municipal Commissioner Shirish Aradwad was formed in April to devise effective strategies. The resulting SOPs, now available on the NMMC website, provide detailed instructions for construction permit holders, developers, and contractors on how to reduce air and noise pollution. Specific guidelines include the prohibition of on-site material crushing and the requirement for continuous water spraying to dampen debris.
For noise reduction, the guidelines advocate for the use of quieter, electronic-powered or hydraulic machinery over diesel or pneumatic alternatives. Additional recommendations include equipping metal surfaces with rubber coverings to decrease vibrations and installing noise barriers to shield both workers and nearby residents. The NMMC has mandated that any reports of non-compliance be forwarded to the Assistant Director of Town Planning for further action. These measures aim to address the mounting environmental concerns of Navi Mumbai residents and align with broader objectives to enhance air quality in the region.
