Mumbai: The BMC’s Environment Department, currently enforcing Solid Waste Management (SWM) by-laws, is finalising a new by-law with stricter penalties set to take effect in November. This will empower the department to act directly and impose tougher fines for pollution violations, especially targeting construction sites that breach dust control norms, boosting efforts to reduce environmental pollution.
Current Guidelines And Limitations
In October 2023, the BMC issued directives mandating all construction sites to follow a 28-point guideline aimed at reducing air pollution. Sites failing to comply are issued stop-work notices.
However, these guidelines lack provisions for punitive action. As a result, fines ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 are currently imposed under the SWM Department’s 'Swachh Aangan 2006' by-law. The Environment Department, however, does not have the authority to collect these fines.
New Independent By-Law
The BMC's Environment Department is preparing to draft an independent by-law to impose penalties for environmental violations, including construction site breaches, pollution from bakeries and food stalls, and waste burning, confirmed a senior civic official.
In the past three months, 1,646 construction sites in Mumbai were found violating the BMC’s dust pollution control guidelines. Based on complaints and inspections, 1,156 sites were issued show-cause notices, and 490 sites were ordered to stop work.
Among these, 166 contractors complied with the guidelines and had their notices withdrawn, while 191 sites also resumed work after compliance and had stop-work orders lifted.
Pollution Control Measures For Construction Sites
The BMC's guidelines require construction sites to be fully enclosed with green cloth or jute to prevent dust dispersion. Additionally, a minimum 25-foot-high sheet metal or roofing cover must be installed to contain dust and debris.
Construction waste must be promptly cleared, and abandoned vehicles are prohibited on site. To reduce dust impact, vehicle wheels entering or exiting the site must be regularly cleaned, with developers responsible for providing the necessary cleaning equipment.
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Winter Air Quality Concerns
City air quality worsens from November to February due to factors like construction dust. The civic authorities have banned wood burning and bonfires at construction sites to reduce pollution and protect public health during winter.
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