BMC issues stop-work notices to 44 construction sites for flouting dust and air pollution norms

Concern is growing over Mumbai's worsening air. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up action against construction sites that violate dust control and air pollution guidelines.

In October, the civic body issued stop-work notices to 44 construction sites for not following the prescribed pollution control measures. Show-cause notices were sent to 428 more sites.

Mumbai's air has been deteriorating since the monsoon ended. Pollution levels are rising because of dust and construction-related activity. To deal with this, the BMC has tightened enforcement of its air pollution control guidelines.

In 2024, the civic body issued guidelines with 28 measures to curb dust and reduce air pollution at construction sites. The administration has directed all agencies and developers concerned to implement these measures strictly.

Despite this, many sites reportedly continued to break the rules, after which the civic body began action against the developers at fault.

According to BMC data, the highest number of stop-work notices, nine, was issued in the K-South ward. R-Central ward followed with eight notices.

The N ward, which covers the Ghatkopar area, led in show-cause notices. A total of 105 construction sites in this ward were served notices for alleged violation of air pollution control rules.

The BMC has also launched a special drive to tackle road dust before and during Diwali. Under it, each ward has been given Rs 15 lakh for road cleaning work.

As part of its wider efforts to improve air quality, the civic administration is also regularly applying dust control measures on Mumbai's roads.