The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued second warning notices to seven ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants in Mumbai’s N Ward after inspections revealed shortcomings in dust and air pollution control measures. The facilities have been given seven days to correct the violations and submit photographic proof of compliance, failing which legal action may follow.
According to the civic administration, inspections identified deficiencies in essential pollution-control arrangements, including wheel-washing facilities, green cloth barriers around plant premises, fogging and water-sprinkling systems, and the maintenance of surrounding areas. These measures are intended to minimise dust generated by concrete production, construction material handling and heavy vehicle movement.
The BMC had directed all seven plants to comply with air pollution prevention guidelines on October 5. However, inspections carried out on October 23 found that the prescribed measures had not been implemented adequately. This prompted the N Ward administration to issue the second set of notices.
The plants must resolve the identified shortcomings within seven days of receiving the notices and submit photographic evidence demonstrating compliance. The BMC has also informed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board about the violations. Facilities that fail to meet the requirements within the stipulated period could face stricter action under the relevant laws.
RMC plants play an important role in Mumbai’s construction sector by supplying concrete for residential buildings and infrastructure projects. However, inadequate dust-control systems and poor housekeeping can contribute to local air pollution, particularly through vehicle movement and the handling of construction materials.
Separately, the BMC is preparing a special cleanliness campaign across Mumbai’s wards from October 28 to November 7 ahead of Diwali. Each ward has been allocated ₹15 lakh for activities targeting road dust and pollution along major roads and identified dust-prone stretches.
The planned measures include mechanised sweeping, intensive cleaning, dust removal and water sprinkling. Roads covered by the initiative include the Eastern and Western Express Highways, BKC Connector, Santacruz-Chembur Link Road, Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road, SV Road, Link Road and Sion-Mankhurd Road.
The civic body aims to reduce airborne dust and help maintain Mumbai’s air quality during the winter season. The seven plants’ compliance reports will determine whether further enforcement action is necessary.
Source: Urban Acres
