The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has directed 116 construction and slum redevelopment projects across Mumbai to suspend operations with immediate effect for failing to follow mandatory dust-control and pollution-prevention guidelines.
The action, announced on Friday, forms part of a wider enforcement drive by the city’s civic and housing agencies to address worsening air quality caused by construction and demolition activities. Developers will be permitted to restart work only after installing the prescribed pollution-control equipment and securing approval from the authority.
The requirements include anti-smog fogging systems, metal barricading around project sites, green safety nets, water sprinklers for dust suppression and regular removal of construction debris. Roads surrounding the sites must also be kept clean.
Mumbai currently has 805 SRA projects under construction, all of which are being monitored for compliance with environmental regulations.
During a review meeting on October 27, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide cautioned developers and contractors against neglecting dust-control measures at construction locations and nearby roads. She instructed officials to strengthen enforcement and ensure regular inspections.
Bhide also called for closer monitoring of air-quality stations and sensors, directing authorities to take action against equipment providing incorrect readings or remaining non-operational.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had earlier issued 270 show-cause notices and 20 stop-work orders to construction sites by October 22 for violations of pollution-control requirements, according to a Times of India report.
Meanwhile, Mumbai experienced hazy conditions on Friday morning, with smog reducing visibility in several areas despite light rainfall in some suburbs. The showers did little to improve pollution levels. At 8:11 am, the city’s live Air Quality Index was recorded at 163, categorised as “Poor”.
The AQI measurement platform monitors PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, which are key indicators of airborne particulate pollution. The latest enforcement measures reflect growing pressure on construction authorities to ensure compliance as the city continues to grapple with deteriorating air quality.
Source: NDTV Profit
