The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a special cleanliness campaign covering 10 major roads across Mumbai ahead of Diwali, aiming to reduce dust pollution and protect air quality. The initiative began on Wednesday and will continue until November 7.
Assistant municipal commissioners and zonal deputy municipal commissioners will supervise the campaign. The civic body has allocated Rs 15 lakh to each ward associated with the identified roads to carry out cleaning and related activities.
The selected stretches include the BKC Connector, Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR), Eastern Express Highway, Western Express Highway, Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Road, SV Road, Link Road, Carter Road and Sion-Mankhurd Road.
The guidelines were issued following instructions from Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. They specify procedures for road sweeping, dust and construction and demolition (C&D) waste removal, machinery deployment, and regular monitoring of the work.
The BMC will use its own staff and contractual workers, supported by mechanical road sweepers, litter-picking equipment, JCBs, dumpers, misting machines and water sprinklers.
Ward offices have been directed to carry out intensive cleaning along roads, dividers, medians, traffic islands, footpaths and kerbs. Dust and silt accumulated along roadsides must be cleared promptly, while C&D waste collected during the campaign must be transported for safe disposal. Water sprinkling and misting will be undertaken at locations identified as particularly vulnerable to dust pollution.
“Assistant engineers in the solid waste management department will prepare day-wise action plans under the guidance of their respective assistant municipal commissioners. Ward officials have been directed to ensure that workers are provided with uniforms, protective gear, cleaning tools and safety equipment,” said a civic official.
The guidelines also require daily records of completed activities, locations cleaned, workers and machinery deployed, waste collected and disposal arrangements. Ward offices must submit geo-tagged photographs and videos documenting conditions before and after the work.
Zonal and ward-level engineers will evaluate whether additional staff and equipment are needed beyond existing contractual provisions. The solid waste management department will centrally compile progress reports to track implementation and ensure accountability throughout the campaign.
Source: Hindustan Times
