Mumbai: BMC Cracks Down on Construction Pollution; 428 Sites Issued Notices; Work Stopped at 264 Locations
Mumbai, 2nd December 2025: In a sweeping crackdown to combat worsening air pollution, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued show-cause notices to 428 construction sites across the city for violating air-quality norms. Of these, 264 sites have been ordered to halt work immediately after they were found to be non-compliant with dust-control measures, civic officials confirmed.
Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has deteriorated sharply in recent weeks, prompting the municipal administration to intensify enforcement. Earlier, on 15 October 2024, the BMC rolled out a detailed 28-point guideline aimed at reducing dust and emissions from various sources.
The measures include:
Transitioning bakeries and crematoriums to cleaner fuels
Deploying misting machines at construction zones
Carrying out street washing and cleanliness drives
Enhancing public awareness campaigns
Monitoring AQI through sensor-based devices at work sites
To ensure adherence, the BMC formed 94 inspection teams, which have been visiting both private construction sites and government infrastructure projects, including Metro and road works. Officials also checked whether AQI sensors installed at construction zones were functioning properly.
The inspections revealed widespread violations. While 428 sites were issued warnings, 264 were served “Stop Work” orders for failing to comply with dust-control protocols and continuing activities that contributed to pollution.
According to civic officials, the stringent enforcement has started showing impact, with a gradual improvement in Mumbai’s AQI over the past few days.
Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani urged all private, government, and non-government project authorities to strictly follow the guidelines. He also appealed to bakeries to switch to eco-friendly fuel options at the earliest and requested citizens to refrain from burning waste in the open, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in pollution control.
