The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has intensified its campaign against construction-related pollution, inspecting 80 sites across the city and issuing show-cause notices to 68 of them for failing to comply with prescribed environmental regulations. The civic body has also imposed cumulative penalties of Rs 3.50 lakh as part of its efforts to improve air quality.
The enforcement drive follows instructions issued by a high-level committee constituted under the Bombay High Court’s Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 3/2023). The inspections are being conducted to ensure that construction activities adhere to pollution-control requirements and do not adversely affect residents.
Zone-wise Inspections Reveal Multiple Violations
The TMC’s Pollution Control Department conducted inspections across several civic zones, identifying widespread non-compliance.
In the Naupada-Kopri and Uthalsar areas, officials examined 58 construction sites and served notices to 52 of them. In Mumbra, two out of three inspected projects were found violating the prescribed norms and received notices.
In Kalwa, all seven construction sites inspected by the civic team were issued show-cause notices. Meanwhile, in the Majiwada-Manpada and Vartaknagar zones, seven out of 12 inspected sites faced notices and subsequent financial penalties.
Apart from individual construction projects, civic officials also examined the stretch between Kapurbawdi Junction and Gaimukh. The inspection was conducted jointly with representatives from the Metro authorities and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
TMC Warns Developers Against Further Violations
Vidya Sawant, Chief Environment Officer of the TMC, warned that builders and developers failing to follow environmental guidelines would face stringent legal action.
She maintained that the inspection campaign would continue without interruption to protect public health and improve the city’s environmental conditions.
The civic body’s intensified monitoring reflects growing efforts to address dust emissions and construction-related pollution, particularly as urban development activity continues across Thane.
Source: The Free Press Journal
