The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has taken a strong stand against rising environmental concerns by halting several building projects across the city. In a recent crackdown, the civic body issued official orders to stop work at 18 different construction sites. This decision comes after these projects were found to be ignoring mandatory rules designed to control air and noise pollution.
Why the action was taken
As winter sets in, dust levels in the air often rise, leading to health issues for residents. To prevent the city’s air quality from dropping to dangerous levels, the NMMC has been conducting surprise checks at various locations. Out of 85 sites inspected by special engineering teams, 18 failed to meet the required safety standards.
The move follows a clear set of guidelines known as the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). These rules were created after the Bombay High Court directed all local authorities to take immediate steps to reduce pollution caused by the massive growth in building activities.
Key rules for developers
For a construction site to stay open, developers must follow several simple but important steps. These include:
- Dust Barriers: Installing tall metal sheets around the site to keep dust from spreading to nearby homes.
- Water Sprinkling: Regularly spraying water on the ground and building materials to prevent dust from flying into the air.
- Vehicle Hygiene: Washing the tires of trucks before they leave the site so they do not carry mud and dust onto public roads.
- Noise Control: Using special covers or silencers on loud machinery to keep noise levels within a peaceful limit.
Impacted areas and next steps
The projects that faced these orders are spread across major parts of the city, including Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, and Ghansoli. The developers of these sites were initially given a week to fix their mistakes. Since they failed to show enough improvement, the NMMC decided that stopping the work was the only way to ensure public safety.
The civic body has made it clear that work can only resume once the developers prove they have put all the necessary pollution controls in place. Officials will continue to monitor all active sites every week to ensure that no one else breaks the law.
This strict action sends a loud message to the real estate industry: while growth and development are important for the city, the health and well-being of the citizens must always come first. By enforcing these rules, the NMMC aims to keep Navi Mumbai a clean and livable place for everyone.
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Disclaimer – This article provides general information regarding recent civic actions in Navi Mumbai. For specific project details or official legal notices, please refer to the official NMMC website or government announcements.
Source – Free Press Journal
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