Mumbai air pollution: BMC chief Ashwini Bhide warns builders of strict action over dust

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC will take strict action against developers and construction contractors who fail to control dust pollution at construction sites and adjoining roads Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said on TuesdayBhide directed civic officials to ensure strict implementation of the BMCrsquos 28point guidelines for controlling air pollution and keep air quality monitoring stations sensors and related equipment operational and displaying accurate readingsThe directives were issued during a review meeting to assess measures to improve Mumbairsquos air quality and implement the Bombay High Courtrsquos directions on noise pollution caused by firecrackers and its health impactsBuilders responsible for construction dustBhide said developers and construction contractors were responsible for controlling dust at construction sites and on adjoining roads They must keep construction areas clean take appropriate measures to prevent dust from spreading into the air and comply with prescribed constructionsite regulations she addedThe BMC chief also stated that the civic bodys 28point air pollution control guidelines must be implemented on the ground and not remain confined to official paperwork The departments concerned were directed to coordinate their efforts and regularly inspect the implementation of pollutioncontrol measuresBhide instructed officials to take prompt action wherever violations were foundAction against faulty air quality monitoring systemsThe commissioner directed officials to ensure that Mumbairsquos air quality monitoring stations sensors and related equipment remained operational and provided accurate readings Strict action should be taken against those responsible if the systems were found switched off or displaying incorrect data the BMC saidShe also instructed the departments concerned to use modern equipment for road cleaning and organise special cleanliness drives to control dust The departments were asked to coordinate their efforts to achieve tangible improvements in the cityrsquos air qualityBMC directs strict compliance with firecracker restrictionsThe review meeting also covered implementation of the Bombay High Courtrsquos directions on noise pollution caused by firecrackers and their impact on public healthAccording to the BMC the High Court has prohibited bursting firecrackers on public roads lanes and footpaths as well as in silence zones around schools hospitals government offices and courts Bhide directed civic officials to ensure strict compliance with the courtrsquos directions at the ward levelShe also called for public awareness campaigns on the noise pollution and health risks associated with firecrackers Civic officials were asked to work with local public representatives to spread awareness and organise initiatives for students in government and private schoolsThe commissioner urged citizens to use green firecrackers instead of those that cause higher pollutionAdditional Municipal Commissioner Eastern Suburbs Dr Avinash Dhakane Deputy Commissioner Municipal Commissionerrsquos Office Prashant Gaikwad Deputy Commissioner Environment and Climate Change Avinash Kate zonal joint commissioners deputy commissioners assistant commissioners and other officials attended the meeting