In a major enforcement drive initiated against construction-related pollution in Mumbai, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has issued notices to 170 projects for failing to comply with mandatory pollution control measures.
The builders have been given 15 days to align with guidelines, failing which the projects may face stop-work orders and possible shutdown, officials stated.
The crackdown follows air pollution mitigation guidelines issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2023, which require all construction and demolition sites to adopt dust-control mechanisms.
Despite clear directives, several developers failed to implement basic measures such as full-site enclosure, water fogging and anti-smog equipment.
As per the notices, the highest number of violations were recorded in R/North Ward (Dahisar), where 30 projects received notices.
This was followed by P/North East (Malad East) with 16, S Ward (Bhandup) with 14, and both K-West (Andheri West) and H-West (Bandra West) with 12 notices each. Other affected wards include F-South (Parel), L Ward (Kurla) and N Ward (Ghatkopar), each with 10 projects flagged, reported the Times of India.
According to officials, all buildings under construction must be covered from all sides using green cloth, jute sheets or tarpaulin to prevent dust from escaping into residential areas.
Additionally, project sites at least 35 feet high or spread across more than 70 metres must have metal or tin sheets erected around the periphery.
Structures being demolished must also be fully covered, while continuous sprinkling or spraying of water is compulsory to reduce airborne particulate matter. The guidelines further mandate the use of stationary or mobile anti-smog guns during material handling and transportation.
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