MUMBAI – The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a massive enforcement drive against air pollution, issuing “stop-work” notices to 106 construction sites across the city. The action comes after developers failed to install mandatory air quality monitoring systems designed to track and control dust emissions.
The crackdown, which began late Thursday, targets a wide range of projects, from luxury private high-rises to essential government infrastructure. According to civic officials, these sites had ignored multiple warnings issued since May 2025 regarding the mandatory installation of air quality sensors.
City-wide enforcement
The list of violators includes several high-profile projects. Notable among them are:
- Private developments: Residential and commercial sites in Malad, Borivali, and Santacruz.
- Public infrastructure: Railway bridge construction in Sion.
- Housing authorities: Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects in the K East ward and MHADA developments in the H East ward.
“We have been following up with these sites for months,” a senior BMC official stated. “Despite repeated reminders, these locations were found operating without the required sensors. We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to the health of Mumbai’s citizens.”
New standards for developers
Under the current guidelines, every active construction site in Mumbai must have sensors that provide real-time data on dust levels. For mega-projects, those with a budget exceeding ₹1,000 crore, the requirements are even stricter. These sites must install “reference-grade” monitors, which are highly accurate devices used to ensure that large-scale dust clouds do not migrate into neighboring residential areas.
The BMC has made it clear that work will only be allowed to resume once a compliance report is submitted and verified by the Environment and Climate Change Department.
Beyond construction: Bakeries under fire
The city’s battle for cleaner air is not limited to the building industry. The Public Health Department has also been directed to inspect local bakeries. Units found using unauthorized fuels or lacking proper smoke filtration systems are also being served stop-work notices.
Currently, Mumbai operates 28 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) to track city-wide trends. By forcing individual construction sites to add their own sensors, the BMC aims to create a hyper-local map of pollution, allowing for faster response times when air quality dips.
Court Pressure Mounts
This administrative “iron fist” arrives just as the Bombay High Court is set to hear a series of petitions regarding the city’s deteriorating air quality. With legal eyes on the city’s progress, the BMC’s latest move serves as a stern warning to the industry: environmental safety is no longer optional.
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Disclaimer – This news report is based on recent municipal announcements and is intended for general informational purposes. Compliance requirements for developers are subject to change based on BMC and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) updates.
Source – ET Realty
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