The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a stop-work notice to a developer undertaking a redevelopment project on First Cross Lane in Lokhandwala, Andheri West, following complaints about dust pollution during demolition. The action was taken by the civic body’s K West ward on October 20, after residents raised concerns and the news agency reported the issue.
According to a resident, the BMC also served a show-cause notice and imposed a penalty on the developer earlier that day. The complaints alleged that demolition work was being carried out without sufficient dust-control measures, allowing dust to spread across the surrounding residential neighbourhood.
“The BMC’s K-West ward seems to have taken note of the complaints made to the concerned authorities and the article published in mid-day. The developer carrying out the demolition work on First Cross Lane was served a show-cause notice and a penalty was also imposed in the morning and a stop-work notice in the evening,” the resident said.
Emphasising that residents were not opposed to redevelopment itself, the resident called for construction activities to follow prescribed environmental safeguards.
“We are not against the work, but it must be carried out in accordance with dust-control guidelines, ensuring that it does not cause dust pollution. The city’s air quality is already poor, and any additional dust could pose a health risk, particularly to small children and senior citizens,” the resident added.
Residents Seek Urgent Intervention
The development follows a report published by the news organisation on October 18, highlighting concerns raised by Lokhandwala residents over dust generated during the demolition of a private building being redeveloped on First Cross Lane, near the area’s main market road.
The Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens’ Association (LOCA) had approached both the BMC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), seeking immediate intervention and effective measures to contain the dust.
Civic Action Against the Developer
The reported measures include a show-cause notice, a penalty and a stop-work order, all issued on October 20, according to the resident. The latest action highlights growing concerns over pollution from construction and demolition activities in Mumbai, particularly amid existing air-quality challenges.
Residents are seeking stricter enforcement of dust-control requirements to protect the surrounding community, especially children and senior citizens, from potential health risks.
The allegations concern dust-control practices at the redevelopment site; further details about the developer’s response and subsequent compliance were not provided in the report.
Source: Mid-day
