BMC Workshop Aims to Tackle Construction Dust in Mumbai’s Air Quality

In the wake of deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) held a workshop on October 13 for real estate developers. The objective was to ensure the implementation of proper dust management procedures. The BMC, in its Mumbai Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan (MAPMP), identified construction dust as a significant factor behind the city’s declining air quality.

The workshop was organized in collaboration with the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), CREDAI-MCHI, and the Practice Engineers Architects and Town Planners Association (PITA). These organizations play a crucial role in the real estate sector and are committed to sustainable development practices.

Avinash Kate, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Environment) at BMC, emphasized the importance of the workshop. “Mumbai is growing rapidly, with new infrastructure projects, housing, and transport facilities under construction. Along with this rapid development, there are challenges related to mitigating construction dust and emissions. As a preventive measure, builders need to implement mitigation measures to contain dust displacement. This workshop aims to ensure that BMC’s guidelines are followed seamlessly to maintain a healthy environment for Mumbaikars,” he said.

The BMC has collaborated with the World Resources Institute (WRI), India, to jointly coordinate the workshop. WRI is a global research organization that works to turn big ideas into action to sustain a healthy environment and grow a strong, just, and prosperous world.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) dashboard, Mumbai’s overall AQI stood at 139, which is considered moderate. However, specific areas like the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) recorded a poor AQI of 201, while the remaining 23 stations reported AQI levels within the moderate category. This highlights the varying air quality across different parts of the city and underscores the need for targeted interventions.

The workshop is a crucial step towards ensuring that construction activities in Mumbai are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. By engaging real estate developers and other stakeholders, the BMC aims to reduce the impact of construction dust on air quality and improve the overall health and well-being of the city’s residents.