Mumbai: BMC Introduces New Measures To Combat Air Pollution From Construction And Dust
Mumbai, 24th December 2024: Amid declining air quality in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) introduced new measures on Monday to combat pollution, particularly from construction and road dust. The new guidelines prohibit using wood or similar materials for cooking and ban lighting bonfires at construction sites. Since last week, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has worsened, exacerbated by lower humidity and calmer winds.
In a statement, BMC directed its solid waste department to enforce these measures with vigilance teams and cleanup marshals. The Solid Waste Management Department is tasked with controlling construction dust along roads.
To curb pollution, the BMC’s Solid Waste Management (SWM) department has instructed assistant engineers to implement several steps, including using mechanical sweeping machines, sprinkling water in high-traffic areas, offering debris-on-call services, and regulating vehicles transporting construction materials.
Additionally, all assistant engineers and supervisors have been ordered to adhere to these guidelines and take swift action. A detailed action plan is in place to address both major and minor pollution sources.
On Sunday, the AQI in Mumbai reached unhealthy levels, with areas like Colaba, Mazgaon, and BKC recording the poorest readings, ranging from 120 to 258. Dust particles have remained suspended due to calm winds.
As of December 23, 2024, the temperature in Mumbai was 24.5°C, with a forecasted range of 22.99°C to 24.87°C. Humidity is at 65%, with wind speeds at 65 km/h. On Tuesday, temperatures are expected to range from 22.66°C to 24.74°C, with humidity at 62%.
