BMC Cracks Down on Pollution Violators: 106 Construction Sites, 93 Bakeries Face Stop-Work Notices
In a significant enforcement drive, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken stringent action against entities flouting air pollution mitigation norms. The civic body has issued stop-work notices to 106 construction sites that have failed to install mandatory sensor-based air quality monitors, alongside 93 bakeries for non-compliance with cleaner fuel requirements.
High Court Directives and Construction Site Compliance
The action follows the BMC's submission to the Bombay High Court, where it revealed that 662 out of 1,954 ongoing construction sites had not yet installed the required monitors. While this number has decreased recently, the BMC has been actively pursuing compliance since May 2025, issuing repeated reminders before resorting to stop-work notices.
Among the affected projects are several high-value developments, including Rs 1,000 crore-plus ventures. Notices have been served on diverse sites, such as a railway bridge construction at Sion, a Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) project in Santacruz's H-East ward, and a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) initiative in Andheri East's K-East ward.
Challenges in Monitor Installation and Ward-Level Accountability
Civic officials reported instances where construction site staff disputed project costs to avoid installing the more expensive reference-grade air quality monitors, mandated for major projects. However, the BMC cross-verified costs using data from MahaRERA to ensure proper enforcement.
The BMC's additional municipal commissioner, Avinash Dhakne, had earlier issued show-cause notices to ward officers for inadequate implementation of pollution norms. In response, ward officers cited staff diversions due to BMC elections as a hindrance but assured that actions are now being pursued vigorously.
Ongoing Inspections and Broader Pollution Control Measures
Regular inspections of construction sites are ongoing, with ward teams focusing on site checks, register examinations, and immediate corrective actions. The BMC claims that Mumbai's air quality is continuously improving, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in most areas now in the satisfactory or moderate category, attributed to various implemented measures.
Bakeries Under Scrutiny for Emission Violations
Parallel to construction site actions, the BMC has directed its public health department to issue stop-work notices to bakeries violating smoke and emission standards. This move underscores a comprehensive approach to tackling pollution sources across different sectors.
The next hearing in the Bombay High Court regarding the air pollution case is scheduled for Friday, where further updates on compliance and enforcement are expected.
