December 1, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a warning to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) after inspections revealed multiple air pollution control violations at a Matunga construction site managed by Nav Bharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd (NMDPL). The site was flagged by BMC’s environmental monitoring squad for not following mandatory dust-mitigation norms.
According to the BMC’s communication to DRP, the construction site lacked key pollution-control measures. Officials noted the absence of green cloth or jute-sheet barricades, no dust or smoke extraction systems, inadequate facilities for washing construction vehicles, and no display boards indicating air-quality index or safety compliance. Complaints from residents about increased dust levels and localised air pollution had also prompted stricter scrutiny by civic authorities.
The BMC has directed the developer to implement all required corrective steps immediately. The civic body has also warned that if the violations continue, work may be stopped and the contractor’s permissions could be revoked. A follow-up inspection has been scheduled within a week, according to a report by Loksatta.
This action comes as part of the BMC’s broader crackdown on construction-related pollution across Mumbai. Earlier this year, civic teams conducted widespread inspections, issuing numerous show-cause notices and stop-work orders to projects failing to comply with dust-control protocols. With the Dharavi redevelopment being one of the country’s largest urban renewal projects, the BMC has emphasised that adherence to environmental safeguards is essential. Residents and civic groups continue to express concern that, without proper dust suppression, waste management, and air-quality monitoring, construction activities could heighten health risks in densely populated neighbourhoods such as Matunga and nearby areas.
Source: The Free Press Journal
