In a decisive move to tackle the city's worsening air quality, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reactivated its ward-level monitoring teams. The civic body's primary directive is to ensure strict implementation of air pollution control measures, including the immediate suspension of industrial and construction activities in any area where the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently remains above 200.
Immediate Actions and Enforcement
The reinstated ward-level teams are equipped to enforce the regulations stringently. Each monitoring squad will consist of two engineers and one police personnel, and they will utilize Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring Systems for effective oversight. The BMC has made it clear that violations of the established guidelines will not be tolerated and will result in show-cause notices and financial penalties for the offenders.
This action follows an announcement made by the BMC commissioner on December 30, 2024, which declared that all construction sites would be shut down in localities where the AQI breaches the 200-mark, a level categorized as 'poor'. Acting on this, construction works in areas like Borivali East and Byculla were previously suspended with immediate effect.
Broader Pollution Control Strategy
The revival of the ward teams is part of a larger, ongoing effort by the BMC to mitigate pollutants. Back in 2023, the corporation had issued a comprehensive set of 28-point norms aimed specifically at controlling dust and emissions from construction sites. These rules encompassed stricter protocols for construction activities and a complete ban on the open burning of garbage.
Further tightening its grip, the BMC has now started issuing fresh notices to all real estate companies carrying out construction projects in Mumbai. These notices mandate the installation of air pollution monitoring sensors at all project sites within the next 30 days.
Invoking GRAP and Current Air Quality
Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi stated that in cases where the AQI consistently exceeds 200, the authorities will not hesitate to invoke the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV). This highest level of action under the plan involves shutting down industries and halting all construction work.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by Mumbai's recent air quality data. Over the past two weeks, the city's AQI has consistently remained above 100. On Thursday, the overall index for Mumbai touched 145. The situation was particularly severe in Deonar, where an AQI of 269 was recorded, firmly in the 'poor' category, followed by Mazgaon at 237.
