Mumbai: The BMC lifted the blanket ban on construction activities in Borivali (East) and Byculla areas on Monday. However, the civic body will continue to monitor individual cases to ensure compliance with regulations. In terms of air quality, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has improved in Colaba (Navy Nagar), but the situation in Govandi Shivaji Nagar is still being closely monitored, according to civic officials.
The construction activities in R-Central (Borivali East) and E Ward, which includes areas such as Byculla, Mazgaon, and Mumbai Central, were halted due to the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 200 for several consecutive days.
“With the closure of all construction sites, including public infrastructure projects, the air quality in these areas improved. On Monday, the AQI recorded in Byculla and Borivali East showed signs of improvement, reflecting the positive impact of the construction ban,” said a civic official.
Bhushan Gagrani, the Municipal Commissioner, stated, “We will continue to closely monitor the air quality in the city. As per the guidelines issued by the civic body, all construction projects and developers are required to take necessary actions to ensure compliance with air quality standards. In case of any violations, and if the standards are not met despite repeated warnings, strict actions will be taken against the specific construction projects. If necessary, additional restrictions will be imposed on such projects.”
Since November 2024, the BMC’s special squad has inspected 877 construction sites in Mumbai, issuing stop-work notices to 286 for failing to follow dust mitigation guidelines. An official stated, “Non-compliant sites will receive a notice, and repeated violations may lead to further action, including a stop-work order or an FIR under the MRTP Act.”
Hearing on pollution at Coastal Road..
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) held a hearing on pollution caused by the Mumbai Coastal Road project on Monday. During the session, the MPCB directed the civic authorities to implement measures to prevent air pollution from the ongoing construction.
A civic official stated, “The BMC has been instructed to take necessary actions and submit photographs documenting these measures within the next two days. We will continue to follow all required steps as per the 28-point guidelines issued by the civic body.”
Last week, the MPCB had also issued notices to the Coastal Road project and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for failing to comply with pollution control measures at the Bandra-Kurla Complex metro railway project.