In the past two months, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) collected more than INR 45 lakh in fines from construction sites that violated air pollution rules. More than 4,000 violations were reported across the city. Over 200 construction sites also received stop-work notices.
According to the civic data, 4,209 violations were recorded for issues such as dirty premises, burning of waste, illegal debris dumping, and no tarpaulin cover.
- In October, officials recorded 3,195 cases and collected INR 22,84,094 in penalties.
- In November, they reported 1,014 cases with fines of INR 22,26,442.
Flying squads from the solid waste department carried out the inspections and imposed the fines. As per the reports, squads are continuing checks across the city. The civic body is also considering changes to the rules for repeat offenders.
Builders must follow the BMC’s 28-point guideline for air pollution control at construction sites. Some of the rules are:
In a separate initiative, the BMC is studying the possibility of bamboo plantations to address rising air pollution. The plan includes small pockets along road works and large open land parcels. Additional Municipal Commissioner Avinash Dhakne held a meeting with the Gardens and Tree Office and asked officials to locate possible sites for bamboo planting.
The idea is to use spaces near active road construction and open areas that do not have future development plans. Since bamboo is grass and grows well, it holds soil, protects it and has good foliage too. If implemented, it will be watered using drip irrigation.
The department has been asked to suggest locations for the plantations. The BMC will also study which bamboo species can be used in different areas. The proposal is part of the civic body’s ongoing efforts to reduce air pollution in the city.
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