December 18, 2025: Amid a steady decline in Mumbai’s air quality, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to roll out a 28-point action plan to curb rising pollution levels across the city. The directive follows a review of recent air quality data, which showed sustained deterioration over the past few weeks.
Under the instructions, the civic body has been made primarily responsible for on-ground implementation, while the MPCB will continue to issue regulatory directions and monitor compliance. The pollution control board has asked the BMC to submit an action-taken report detailing enforcement measures and outcomes.
During recent inspections, six stop-work notices were issued to construction sites found flouting pollution control norms, and penalties are expected to follow. However, officials have clarified that construction activity alone is not the main contributor to the current pollution levels. According to MPCB data, air quality worsened sharply after Diwali, with a notable spike in PM2.5 concentrations.
Deputy municipal commissioner Amol Kate said the situation is not the result of a sudden surge or only construction-related dust. He explained that fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is the dominant pollutant and largely originates from industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and open burning of waste. He added that enforcement drives are ongoing, with show-cause notices issued to non-compliant construction sites and cases involving garbage burning.
Air quality experts have also flagged PM2.5 as the most pressing concern. While PM10 levels remain high, officials noted that PM10 is not the primary issue at present. Elevated PM2.5 levels necessitate immediate intervention due to their ability to penetrate deeply into the lungs and pose significant health risks.
Civic authorities have further acknowledged that despite stricter monitoring of construction sites, open waste burning continues to worsen pollution levels significantly. Ward offices have been instructed to ensure strict compliance and take prompt action against violators, as open burning has a disproportionate impact on PM2.5 concentrations.
The 28-point plan is expected to focus on coordinated enforcement, source control, and sustained monitoring to prevent further deterioration in Mumbai’s air quality.
