BMC serves second notice on seven ready-mix concrete plants in N Ward over lapses in dust control

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a second warning notice to seven ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants operating in N Ward. An inspection had found lapses in their measures to control air pollution. The notices were issued on Tuesday.

The BMC has asked the seven plants to rectify the lapses within seven days of receiving the notice. They must also submit photographic proof of the work. The civic body has said that if this is not done within the stipulated time, strict action can follow under applicable laws.

The move is part of the BMC's effort to enforce air pollution control guidelines amid continuing concern over rising pollution in Mumbai.

The BMC had on October 5 directed all seven RMC plants in N Ward to follow the air pollution control guidelines strictly. However, an inspection on October 23 found several essential measures incomplete. These include a facility to wash vehicle tyres, a green cloth covering around the plant premises, fogging and water sprinkling to suppress dust, and proper cleaning of the surrounding area.

Despite the earlier directions, the plants had not implemented the pollution-control measures satisfactorily. For this reason the N Ward administration issued the second notice to all seven plants. The plants must fix all the lapses identified within seven days of receiving the notice and ensure compliance with the prescribed guidelines. They must also submit a compliance report with photographs of the steps taken.

The BMC has also informed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) of the violations. The N Ward administration has warned that plants that do not put the required measures in place within the stipulated period will face strict action under the applicable legal provisions.

According to the BMC, its focus is on enforcing air pollution control rules to protect public health and the environment. Action will be taken against plants that violate the prescribed norms.

Meanwhile, the BMC has decided to run a special cleaning campaign before Diwali to reduce road dust and curb air pollution across Mumbai. Each ward has been given Rs 15 lakh for this. The campaign will run from October 28 to November 7. It will include intensive cleaning of main roads and identified dusty stretches, mechanical sweeping, dust removal and water sprinkling.

The BMC has directed all wards to run the campaign as a precaution, so that road dust stays under control and Mumbai's air quality index (AQI) is maintained during the winter. The identified roads include the BKC Connector, the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR), the Eastern Express Highway, the Western Express Highway, the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Road, SV Road, Link Road, Carter Road and the Sion-Mankhurd Road.