As the monsoon season approaches, the Building Proposals Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a directive to all developers, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety measures at construction sites to prevent accidents and health hazards.
The circular, distributed to developers and the Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry, follows three site cave-ins reported last year, prompting the BMC to enforce strict guidelines for construction activities during the monsoon. Builders are instructed to halt excavation work during the monsoon until all necessary precautionary measures are in place, supervised by appointed structural engineers and safety officers. This proactive approach aims to prevent accidents not only on construction sites but also on adjacent properties.
In addition to excavation, regulations cover various civil works, with builders required to assess the safety and stability of barricading, scaffolding, safety nets, machinery, and cranes. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of construction are thoroughly inspected to mitigate risks. Furthermore, developers are tasked with preventing water and debris accumulation at construction sites to curb mosquito breeding, thus reducing the risk of diseases such as malaria and dengue. Regular medical check-ups and blood tests for on-site labourers, along with the provision of mosquito nets, are also mandated to safeguard their health.
Structural integrity is prioritized, with builders required to reinforce temporary structures, transit camps, hoardings, and other construction elements under the guidance of registered structural engineers. Precautionary measures include strict barricading of excavation areas and vigilant monitoring of landslide-prone zones. To ensure compliance, safety officers and architects must verify the implementation of mandated safety measures. This proactive approach by the BMC underscores its commitment to promoting safety and well-being in the construction sector, particularly during challenging weather conditions like the monsoon.
