June 10, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to purchase five portable air quality monitoring devices as part of a pilot initiative to monitor pollution around construction sites across Mumbai. Each device will cost approximately Rs 5 lakh. The civic body’s Environment and Climate Change Department has already invited bids for procurement.
Unlike the larger, stationary Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS), these compact, mobile monitors can be easily transported and deployed as required. BMC engineers will use the devices to collect real-time data on air pollutants, including PM 2.5, PM 10, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, methane, and total volatile organic compounds. The devices will also record temperature, humidity, and moisture levels.
The initial batch of five units will be tested for accuracy and efficiency. Based on performance, the civic body may consider purchasing additional units in the future. The primary aim is to verify the pollution levels reported by air quality monitors already installed at construction sites.
While the Bombay High Court has mandated all construction sites in Mumbai to install low-cost air quality sensors, only around 10% have complied so far. Many of the installed units have also been found unreliable. In response, the BMC reviewed 22 sensor models in February, approving 15 of them. Developers are now required to install these approved sensors at their sites, with AQI data displayed both online and on location.
Mumbai currently has 25 air quality monitoring stations—11 managed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), 9 by SAFAR, and 5 by BMC. The civic body also plans to install five additional fixed monitoring stations to enhance coverage.
Earlier this month, developers were given a 30-day deadline to ensure compliance with the new monitoring requirements.
Source: Mumbai Live
