November 28, 2025: Heavy dust accumulation has become a daily reality across Juhu, Santacruz and Andheri, where residents say unchecked demolitions, rapid construction activity and ongoing road-concreting work by the BMC have sharply worsened air quality. Despite repeated complaints, locals claim there are no AQI monitoring systems installed in these neighbourhoods and that basic dust-mitigation rules are routinely flouted, leaving communities exposed to rising pollution levels.
In Four Bungalows, Andheri West, anger grew after a video of the New Vikas Society demolition on Achyutrao Patwardhan Marg circulated online. Residents alleged that the work was carried out without essential dust-control measures, creating massive plumes of dust that spread through surrounding buildings. One resident said the demolition caused extreme pollution due to the absence of water sprinkling and proper barricades. Local resident Parag Motani said the city is “choking” amid rising AQI levels and stressed the urgent need for the BMC to take strict action against such violations.
Another resident, Sayali Kulkarni, pointed out that a hospital and a school lie close to the demolition site. She warned that continued negligence puts children, patients and the broader community at risk, urging the BMC and MPCB to intervene before the situation leads to long-term health consequences.
Santacruz residents along Main Avenue Road are facing similar hardship. With more than five construction sites operating on a single stretch alongside roadwork, the entire locality has been enveloped in dust. Pedestrians and two-wheeler riders say breathing has become increasingly difficult.
Local resident Gaurau Aba Sarpute said even wearing a mask does not help, while others described navigating the street as a “daily struggle”. They noted that many construction sites only sprinkle water at the entrance, and several do not follow dust-control norms at all. Dug-up patches left open by civic agencies also worsen pollution as vehicles constantly kick up loose debris. Trees in the area have turned grey from accumulating dust, making the problem visibly severe.
Shaunak Modi, an asthma patient, said his condition has deteriorated due to rising dust levels. While residents across these neighbourhoods say they support redevelopment, they insist it must be carried out responsibly and with strict accountability from developers and civic authorities.
