The Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s (MMR) municipal corporations have been instructed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to install sensor-based air pollution monitors at all public and private construction sites and to take prompt action when pollution levels surpass allowable limits. Additionally, MPCB has stated that BMC authorities will have access to the monitoring data for scrutiny upon request.
The primary source of pollution in MMR is air pollution from building renovations, infrastructure improvements, and new construction projects. To keep an eye on air pollution in Mumbai and MMR, the state established a committee headed by Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Although the BMC released strict standards, they are not being appropriately implemented.
In a letter dated February 7, MPCB member secretary Avinash Dhakne instructed the municipal commissioners of Thane, Kalyan Dombivali, Panvel, Mira-Bhayander, Bhiwandi Nizampur, Ulhasnagar, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Vasai-Virar to reduce air pollution from construction and demolition (C&D) activities following the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Businesses were instructed to guarantee adherence.
Dhakne also mentioned January 9, 2025, Bombay High Court judgement that requires all construction sites where work is underway to have pollution indicators installed. The directive further stipulated that all of the monitors and gadgets must be centrally connected and that building sites’ pollution must be closely monitored.
“If such devices are not installed on construction sites, the court has mandated that they be done within a month and that non-complying units be subject to action, including the closure of such sites until compliance is achieved,” Dhakne’s letter added. “The Bureau of Indian Standards norms will be followed for the installation of pollution indicators since the Central Pollution Control Board does not have any standard guidelines for pollution indicator devices.”
Dr. Jalil Parkar, a senior pulmonologist, noted that builders were disregarding all government and BMC regulations and procedures. “I have voiced my displeasure regarding cases in Bandra,” he stated. Fibrosis is brought on by these contaminants entering the lungs. All of these can trigger severe asthma attacks, necessitating the administration of steroids. Controlling air pollution at construction sites requires strict measures.
Why should this law only apply to builders? asked Dominic Romell, head of the association of real estate developers, CREDAI MCHI. It ought to apply to industries that produce pollution as well. More pollution is produced by the BMC’s road and bridge construction. Romell asserted that building was the “least pollution-creating industry” and that sensors needed to be deployed there as well.
Environmentalist Hema Ramani argued that these were not infallible techniques, notwithstanding Bhushan Gagrani’s claim that they had approached the MPCB for input on the quality of the sensors before issuing installation instructions.
Source: Hindustan Times
