The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has fined a construction site near the main entrance of IIT-Bombay in Powai Rs 1 lakh after a video showing a large cloud of dust emerging from the premises gained attention on social media.
The civic action followed a post shared by the social media handle @mumbaimatters, which showed dust spreading across the surrounding area and questioned whether the BMC’s pollution-control regulations were being properly enforced.
“What nonsense is this? It’s a Dust Storm. SOPs for #DustPollutionControl all seem to be just on paper. Watch this blatant Violation of all norms. What’s @mybmc @mpcb_official doing?” the post said.
Responding to the video, the BMC’s Solid Waste Management team from its S ward office inspected the site, identified as the Dhayankunj building, on November 3. Following the inspection, officials issued a report under the applicable air pollution regulations and imposed the penalty.
“An inspection report was issued under air pollution norms. The site has been penalized Rs 1 lakh. We are issuing a stop-work notice to the project,” said Samrin Sayyed, assistant municipal commissioner of S ward.
The official also clarified that the building comes under the C-1 category, which is used to classify dilapidated structures.
BMC’s Dust Control Guidelines
The civic body had introduced comprehensive air pollution mitigation guidelines on October 15, 2024, specifying measures that construction sites must follow to minimise dust emissions.
These include installing tin barricades around project premises and covering construction areas from all sides with green cloth, jute sheets or tarpaulin. Developers are also required to spray water during demolition and ensure scientific storage of construction materials.
The guidelines further mandate water fogging during the loading and unloading of materials. Regular sprinkling of water on debris, soil and other materials that can release airborne particulate matter is also required.
The action against the Powai site highlights the BMC’s enforcement of dust-control measures at construction projects across Mumbai.
Source: Times of India
