The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has mandated the installation of air quality monitors at all construction sites across the city.
The action follows a directive by the Bombay High Court, which in April took suo moto cognisance of rising pollution levels and set a six-week deadline for compliance. The BMC has approved 15 models of low-cost sensor-based air monitors after evaluating 22 submissions from vendors earlier this year. These sensors, priced between ₹1–2 lakh, will enable real-time tracking of particulate matter and other pollutants, helping authorities and citizens stay informed about local air conditions. Builders will be required to procure only from the approved list, which will be accessible via the AutoDCR portal. They must also install display boards showing live air quality readings at the site, ensuring on-ground transparency.
The civic body has acknowledged that full implementation may take another month and intends to request the court for a one-month extension. Failure to comply could lead to a halt in construction activities, as directed by the court. To strengthen enforcement, the BMC is working on an online portal expected to go live within three months. This platform will collate and display readings from all construction sites equipped with sensors, offering public access to hyperlocal air quality data for the first time. By shifting from broad restrictions to site-specific enforcement, the civic body hopes to reduce the particulate pollution generated by construction activity—one of Mumbai’s leading sources of poor air quality during winter months.
Officials say this monitoring initiative not only advances the city’s public health efforts but also sets a precedent for data-driven regulation in urban environments. With this rollout, Mumbai takes a key step toward more accountable and sustainable construction practices.
