Mumbai is currently undergoing a profound urban transformation, characterised by ambitious infrastructure undertakings such as the expansion of its metro network and extensive road development, alongside a significant surge in building redevelopment projects that are actively reshaping the city’s skyline.
While these transformative projects are undeniably crucial for the city’s long-term urban renewal and sustained economic growth, they concurrently involve substantial demolition and construction activities, processes widely acknowledged as significant contributors to air pollution through the generation of dust and particulate matter, thereby exerting downward pressure on the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI). The severity of this impact was underscored in January when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was compelled to implement stringent Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) regulations across Mumbai in a proactive measure to mitigate the escalating air pollution levels, a considerable portion of which was attributed to ongoing construction activities throughout the city. These regulations imposed strict guidelines on construction sites to control dust emissions and minimize their environmental impact.
However, at a recent press conference announcing the launch of the second edition of the Ease of Doing Redevelopment (EODR 2.0) exhibition, Domnic Romell, the president of CREDAI-MCHI, offered a contrasting perspective on the primary drivers of Mumbai’s air quality challenges. He posited that while the BMC is currently exercising considerable caution and implementing measures such as screening particular flooring and deploying sprinklers to contain dust at redevelopment sites, the predominant sources of Mumbai’s air pollution are more likely attributable to the city’s extensive infrastructure projects rather than the building redevelopment initiatives themselves. The EODR 2.0 exhibition, scheduled for April 12, aims to serve as a crucial platform, bringing together representatives from housing societies and key stakeholders from the real estate industry. The primary objective of this initiative is to foster transparent, efficient, and future-ready solutions for the numerous redevelopment projects currently underway across the city. According to data from the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), over 2000 redevelopment projects are currently in various stages of construction throughout Mumbai, representing a significant scale of urban renewal activity.
Highlighting the critical importance of redevelopment for the future trajectory of Mumbai, Romell asserted, “Redevelopment is no longer a choice—it’s an essential part of Mumbai’s future. EODR 2.0 is a platform that brings clarity and transparency to the process, and we are proud to lead this important initiative that addresses the needs of thousands of housing societies.” This statement underscores the industry’s perspective that redevelopment is not merely an option for urban improvement but a fundamental necessity for addressing the city’s aging housing stock, increasing population density, and the need for modern, sustainable urban spaces. The debate surrounding the primary sources of Mumbai’s air pollution – whether predominantly from infrastructure projects or building redevelopments – highlights the complex interplay between urban development and environmental sustainability. While redevelopment is seen as crucial for revitalizing the city and improving the quality of life for its residents, it is imperative that these projects are executed with stringent environmental safeguards to minimize their impact on air quality. Similarly, the environmental footprint of large-scale infrastructure projects needs careful consideration and mitigation strategies.
The EODR 2.0 exhibition presents an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in crucial discussions about sustainable redevelopment practices and explore innovative solutions that can minimize environmental impact while facilitating the necessary urban transformation. Finding a balance between the imperative for urban renewal and the urgent need to maintain and improve air quality will be a defining challenge for Mumbai as it continues its ambitious journey of growth and modernization. The perspectives shared by industry leaders like the president of CREDAI-MCHI underscore the need for a comprehensive and data-driven approach to understanding and mitigating the various sources of air pollution in a rapidly evolving urban environment like Mumbai.
Mumbai Redevelopment Imperative Amidst Pollution Debate
