Thane civic body inspects 80 construction sites, serves notices on 69 developers, fines seven

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has acted against air pollution from construction. After inspecting 80 construction sites in the city, it has issued show-cause notices to 69 developers. Seven builders have also been fined a total of Rs 3.5 lakh for breaking the prescribed pollution control guidelines.

The TMC's pollution control department carried out the inspection drive between October 26 and 30 in nine ward committee areas of the city. The action comes amid growing concern over dust and air pollution from construction and infrastructure projects under way in Thane.

According to the civic body, violations were found at 69 of the 80 sites inspected. All these developers have been given seven days to put the required pollution control measures in place. Seven developers have been fined Rs 50,000 each, totalling Rs 3.5 lakh.

About 419 construction projects are currently under way in Thane. Dust, soil and debris from these sites are worsening air quality and posing a health risk to people living nearby.

During the hearing of a public interest litigation on air pollution, the Bombay High Court issued several directions to curb pollution at construction sites. Under these, developers must follow 29 guidelines to reduce dust and ensure compliance with environmental standards. The civic body's inspection found that many sites were not following these required measures.

The guidelines require buildings taller than 50 metres to have protective sheets at least 25 feet high. Buildings must be covered on all sides with green netting, and water must be sprayed regularly to keep dust from flying.

Construction sites must also install air pollution monitoring systems. In cases of serious violations, officials can issue stop-work notices and seal sites.

The guidelines prohibit burning of garbage in the open. They also advise crematoriums and bakeries to use environment-friendly fuel.