AQI Crisis: Navi Mumbai Eyes Cleaner Air with 18-Month ‘Zero Dust’ Action Plan

At its upcoming General Body meeting, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) will take up a proposal to improve the city’s air quality. The plan will set a target of 18 months to reduce pollution levels and improve the Air Quality Index (AQI).

It will focus on building a data-driven system to manage the environment, stabilise AQI levels and bring down harmful particles such as PM10 and PM2.5.

Key Monitoring Measures:

• Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS)
• Ward-level particulate sensors
• Tracking pollutants like SO₂, NOx, CO, ozone, and volatile organic compounds
• Collection of meteorological data

It also proposes a zero-exposed soil policy with the following measures:

• Covering of all open soil areas by methods like paving, planting greenery, or other dust control techniques will be used. 
• Better road cleaning and improved drainage systems
• Stricter Rules for Construction sites

There will also be a central control system. This system will monitor air quality across the city. It will also support ward-level inspections. Violations will lead to fines. A public dashboard will be created to share real-time air quality data with citizens.

The proposal also identifies the main sources of pollution in the city. These include garbage burning, diesel generators, vehicles, industries, construction work, and road dust. It recommends studying pollution patterns and identifying areas with high pollution levels.

Several additional steps have been suggested. These include banning the open burning of waste and monitoring emissions from diesel generators. The plan also proposes the use of cameras to track vehicles that contribute to pollution.

The implementation will take place in phases over 18 months. It will begin with monitoring and identifying problem areas. Action steps will follow after approval from the General Body. If approved, the proposal is expected to reduce pollution levels.