Mumbai Authorities Clamp Down on Construction Pollution Amid Worsening Air Quality
Mumbai, 21st October 2023: Facing deteriorating air quality, the city’s top official has laid down the law for construction sites. Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal announced that new guidelines will be disseminated on Monday, October 23, requiring immediate implementation. Agencies failing to follow these guidelines will face action “without prejudice.”
Pollution Reality Check
Climate change and high dust content from construction activities have contributed to worsening air quality in Mumbai. With construction underway at 6,000 locations across the city, Chahal led a meeting involving stakeholders from various organizations such as CREDAI, MCHI, NAREDCO, and PEATA, along with departmental representatives from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and other governing bodies.
New Mandates for Construction Sites
In the wake of this meeting, several directives were issued:
Construction sites larger than one acre must be surrounded by a 35-foot high iron/sheet covering.
Sites smaller than one acre require a minimum 25-foot high covering.
Mandatory installation of sprinkler systems to contain dust.
Anti-smog machines must be installed within 15 days.
A separate Air Quality Index measuring system at each site.
Specifics for Government Construction
Even government projects like metro, roads, and flyovers are required to install frost-spraying and dust prevention plants with 35-foot high covers.
Regulations for Industry and Professions
In addition to construction, Chahal also emphasized that big projects related to electricity, energy, and gas must adhere to air pollution control measures.
Special Inspection Teams
Special teams will inspect all the 24 administrative divisions of the Municipal Corporation, ensuring real-time monitoring and immediate cessation of construction work if any non-compliance is found.
