BMC Gives Real Estate Firms Ultimatum to Install AQI Sensors by End of November
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to real estate companies in Mumbai to install air quality index (AQI) sensors at all construction sites. Firms failing to comply will face penalties.
Air QualityConstruction SitesReal EstatePollutionMumbaiReal EstateNov 06, 2025
BMC’s data shows there are 1,200 such sites in Mumbai, and only 45 per cent of the real estate operators have installed the sensors. As of today, nearly 550 developers have installed these monitors, while around 200 of them are in the process of acquiring and installing them. The direction for installing these sensors was issued on the basis of a High Court order that came in 2023, when BMC was directed to monitor whether norms for containing dust displacement were followed in all the construction sites in Mumbai, said a civic body official.
In June, authorities mandated that private builders install these sensors, which would provide real-time data on the dust situation, at their work sites. In its Mumbai Air Pollution Mitigation Plan (MAPMP), the BMC identified construction dust as one of the major contributing factors to Mumbai’s deteriorating AQI.
These sensors are small devices that analyse the particulate matter in the air and provide a reading of the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of a location. They are primarily used for hyperlocal monitoring of air, unlike the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS), which determines AQI of a larger area.
The officials added that they will monitor the data recorded by these AQI sensors. The readings will indicate whether dust mitigation rules, such as sprinkling water and covering debris, are followed at the site. The project sites will have LED boards that will display the AQI readings recorded by these sensors. This data will be integrated into our system, the official said.
The authorities stated that if any spot consistently records poor AQI readings, action will be taken against developers. BMC officials also stated that along with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), a team of ground staffers will be deployed in each of the 24 municipal wards to track if any on-ground violation is taking place in terms of dust displacement.
The 30-day ultimatum ends in November, and officials said firms that fail to install monitoring machines during this period will be penalised. After the monsoon withdrawal took place in Mumbai, the city’s overall AQI plummeted severely to the “moderate” category from “good/satisfactory”. A day after Diwali, Mumbai’s overall AQI was in the “poor” category, while several other locations recorded “very poor” air quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are real estate companies in Mumbai being asked to install AQI sensors?
Real estate companies in Mumbai are being asked to install AQI sensors to monitor and control construction dust, which is a major contributor to the city's deteriorating air quality.
What is the deadline for installing these AQI sensors?
The deadline for real estate companies to install AQI sensors at their construction sites is the end of November.
What will happen if a company fails to install the AQI sensors by the deadline?
Firms that fail to install the AQI sensors by the deadline will be penalised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
How will the data from these sensors be used?
The data from these sensors will be used to monitor whether dust mitigation rules are being followed at construction sites and to take action against non-compliant developers.
What is the current air quality situation in Mumbai?
After the monsoon withdrawal, Mumbai's overall AQI has plummeted to the “moderate” category from “good/satisfactory”. A day after Diwali, the city's AQI was in the “poor” category, with several locations recording “very poor” air quality.
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