Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to implement Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based systems to track air pollution at construction sites across Mumbai. The directive was announced amid concerns over deteriorating air quality raised in the legislative council on Wednesday.
During Question Hour, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab flagged high Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in Kherwadi, Bandra (East), stating that ongoing infrastructure projects such as the bullet train station, Metro works and private developments were contributing to dust pollution. He alleged that demolition norms were not being followed in several cases.
State Environment Minister Pankaja Munde responded that legislators should rely on data published by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), cautioning against dependence on private data sources. She said efforts were underway to integrate monitoring systems and that debris management remained a serious concern.
Parab countered that the data he cited was sourced from a government website. “If the information on your website is false, then what action will you take against the officials concerned?” he asked.
NCP MLC Sashikant Shinde pointed to large heaps of soil along roads in Uran en route to the airport and highlighted vehicular emissions as another contributor. “This is not limited to BMC and municipal authorities. Only water is being sprayed on roads,” he said.
Munde stated that while strict enforcement remains a priority, the government is also focusing on public awareness and civic responsibility.
Responding to a separate query by Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande, Munde said in a written reply that under the National Clean Air Programme, action plans have been drawn up for 19 cities to cut PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 20–30 per cent and up to 40 per cent by 2026. She added that health department reports from BMC and Navi Mumbai indicate no specific impact on vulnerable groups, including children and senior citizens.
Source: The Times of India
