December 30, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a stop-work notice to the construction site of the upcoming Bombay High Court complex in Bandra East, citing violations of air pollution mitigation norms during demolition activities. Civic officials said the action was taken after contractors failed to comply with the BMC’s prescribed 28-point mitigation guidelines while demolishing old government structures at the site.
The stop-work order follows a show-cause notice issued by the ward office on December 20, after an inspection team found serious lapses in the implementation of mandatory pollution control measures. During the inspection, officials observed that only two of the civic body’s stipulated guidelines were being followed at the project site, which spans an area of 26.44 acres.
According to officials, the violations pertained to inadequate dust suppression, insufficient barricading, and other basic preventive measures required to limit air pollution during demolition and construction activities. The failure to adhere to these norms prompted the civic authority to escalate enforcement and halt work until compliance is ensured.
The proposed project, officially titled the “New Integrated High Court Complex,” is being developed by the state Public Works Department (PWD). A tender for the construction was issued on October 31, as the existing heritage court premises in South Mumbai’s Fort area are no longer adequate to cater to the growing requirements of the Bombay High Court.
The BMC’s action comes close on the heels of judicial scrutiny of air quality management in the city. On December 24, the Bombay High Court criticised the civic body for “turning a blind eye” towards rising air pollution levels in Mumbai, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of environmental safeguards at construction sites.
Civic officials indicated that work at the Bandra East site will remain suspended until contractors fully implement the mandated mitigation measures. The BMC reiterated that compliance with air pollution control guidelines is compulsory for all large infrastructure projects and that further violations could invite stricter action, including extended work stoppages, as part of the city’s broader efforts to curb deteriorating air quality.
Source: The Indian Express
