In a bid to combat the escalating air pollution levels in the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced fresh guidelines for construction sites in Mumbai. These guidelines, issued on Wednesday (October 25), encompass a range of measures that construction sites must adhere to in order to diminish their contribution to air quality degradation.
This initiative follows closely on the heels of an alarming report from Swiss group IQAir, which rated Mumbai with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 160. This rating positioned Mumbai as the second most polluted city globally, surpassed only by Beijing, China. According to Reuters, an AQI score between 151 and 200 falls into the 'unhealthy' category, while a score below 100 is deemed 'healthy.'
According to an ANI report, the BMC's guidelines place a strong emphasis on ensuring that construction sites adopt practices that help reduce air pollution. These include mandating the installation of at least 35-foot high tin or metal sheets around the periphery of construction projects exceeding a height of 70 meters.
Additionally, all buildings under construction are required to be enclosed from all sides with green cloth, jute sheet, or tarpaulin, while structures under demolition should be similarly covered from top to bottom. Continuous water sprinkling during demolition processes is also a key requirement, as detailed in the BMC's notice, the report said.
The deteriorating air quality in Mumbai prompted the BMC to issue these directives. The BMC has made it clear that any construction site failing to comply with the guidelines will be subjected to a stop-work notice, according to the report. Furthermore, the BMC has mandated the installation of sprinkler systems in crucial plot and site areas, with regular misting scheduled throughout the day during construction activities.
As per the report, the BMC has formed specialised squads to enforce the guidelines and prevent illegal construction and demolition waste dumping. These teams will visit sites and record video evidence of compliance. In cases of noncompliance, the BMC will take harsh measures, such as issuing stop-work orders and potentially sealing the site. Furthermore, the BMC plans to activate anti-smog machines to reduce dust levels on city roads.
To enhance monitoring, the BMC has mandated the installation of a distinct Air Quality Index (AQI) measurement system at each construction site. The guidelines also address vehicles transporting construction materials, advising full coverage to prevent airborne material or debris, the report said.
According to the regulations, "All construction sites must install CCTV cameras along their periphery to ensure that vehicles are clean and not overloaded," as reported by ANI.