BMC Halts Work at 191 Construction Sites Over Dust Violations
In a decisive move to combat the worsening air quality in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued stop-work orders at 191 construction sites across the city. These sites were found in violation of the BMC’s 28-point dust mitigation guidelines, which are designed to minimise the pollution caused by construction activities.
Since 1st November 2024, the BMC’s environment department has conducted inspections at over 1,000 construction sites. Out of these, lapses were identified at 856 sites, triggering the issuance of notices requiring compliance with the dust mitigation guidelines. Despite these warnings, 462 sites continued to flout the rules, leading the civic body to impose stop-work orders on these defaulters. However, after receiving these orders, 271 construction sites took corrective action and began adhering to the guidelines. As a result, the stop-work orders were lifted for these sites. But, for the remaining 191 defaulters, work continues to be suspended until the necessary dust control measures are put in place.
The BMC has outlined several measures in its dust control regulations, including mandatory coverings for construction sites with green cloth, jute, or tarpaulin, and the installation of barriers around sites at least 25 feet high. Additionally, water spraying, misting systems, air quality monitoring, and wheel washing facilities for vehicles are required to reduce pollution. Construction promoters and contractors are also required to prepare and implement an environmental management plan for each project. In addition to these measures, the BMC has decided to halt new trench work across the city, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has prohibited the approval of new ready-mix concrete plants in Mumbai.
As of now, there are approximately 2,100 ongoing private construction projects across the city, all of which are expected to comply with the revised regulations. The BMC’s crackdown aims to address the critical issue of air pollution, which has been exacerbated by uncontrolled construction dust, particularly in the wake of the city’s rapid urbanisation. The actions reflect a growing recognition of the need for stringent environmental controls in Mumbai’s construction sector, as the city strives to improve its air quality and safeguard the health of its residents.
