Mumbai Construction Suspended: Poor Air Quality Prompts BMC to Halt Projects
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has halted construction activities in Borivali East and Byculla due to poor air quality. Real estate developers are expressing dissatisfaction with the stop-work order.
MumbaiAir QualityConstructionBmcPollutionReal Estate MaharashtraDec 31, 2024
These areas have experienced deteriorating air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) inching closer to 'very poor' levels.
Two other neighborhoods, Navy Nagar and Worli, are also under close scrutiny, and construction work in these areas will be suspended if the AQI worsens.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani stated, “Construction will be halted in areas where the AQI exceeds 200, as per the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4).
We will follow up to ensure compliance with the stop-work notice.
If necessary, legal action will be taken against non-compliant parties.” The order affects 286 out of 877 construction sites in the city.
However, road concretisation work will continue in most areas, except for Borivali East and Byculla, to ensure completion before the monsoons.
To resume construction, developers must present a dust-mitigation plan in line with the 28-point guideline issued by the BMC.
This includes measures such as covering construction sites with green cloth or jute, installing water sprinklers and misting systems, and setting up sensor-based monitoring systems.
The BMC has also outlined long-term solutions under the Mumbai Air Pollution Mitigation Plan (MAPMP).
These include shutting down illegal bakeries, transitioning legal bakeries to clean fuel, and purchasing electric buses for the BEST fleet.
Keval Valambhia, Chief Operating Officer of CREDAI-MCHI, expressed support for the directives.
“The real estate industry has always been committed to environmental causes.
CREDAI-MCHI had already issued an advisory on these measures on October 11.” However, some real estate developers are unhappy with the decision.
One developer commented, “It’s easy for the BMC to blame the real estate sector for 40% of the city’s pollution, but what about the public projects? They also contribute significantly to air pollution and get environmental approvals too easily.”
The developer also suggested that the BMC should inform the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority about the suspension to avoid penalties for project delays.
Avinash Dhakne, Member Secretary of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, explained that the AQI fluctuations are influenced by local weather conditions and westerly disturbances.
“Eventually, the wind will blow away the pollutants into the sea, leading to a drop in AQI to moderate levels.
However, various factors contribute to the haze and pollution,” he added.
Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director at the Centre for Science and Environment, emphasized the need for sustained action.
“Short-term measures are essential to prevent further degradation.
However, long-term sustainability actions are required to improve the overall AQI consistently,” she stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the BMC halted construction work in Borivali East and Byculla?
The BMC has halted construction work in Borivali East and Byculla due to the poor air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in these areas has been inching closer to 'very poor' levels, necessitating the stop-work order as per the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4).
How many construction sites are affected by the halt?
The halt affects 286 out of 877 construction sites in the city.
What are the measures developers need to implement to resume construction?
Developers must present a dust-mitigation plan that includes covering construction sites with green cloth or jute, installing water sprinklers and misting systems, and setting up sensor-based monitoring systems, among other measures outlined in the 28-point guideline issued by the BMC.
What long-term solutions has the BMC proposed to mitigate air pollution?
The BMC has proposed long-term solutions under the Mumbai Air Pollution Mitigation Plan (MAPMP), which include shutting down illegal bakeries, transitioning legal bakeries to clean fuel, and purchasing electric buses for the BEST fleet.
What is the role of weather conditions in Mumbai's air quality?
Weather conditions, particularly westerly disturbances, play a significant role in Mumbai's air quality. They can cause fluctuations in the AQI and contribute to the haze and pollution. The wind can also help blow pollutants into the sea, leading to a drop in AQI to moderate levels.
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