• By Imran Zafar
  • Sun, 05 Nov 2023 09:08 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Mumbai’s air quality deteriorated even further in many areas, as dust from construction and demolition projects continues to pollute the metropolis.  A layer of haze was also visible near Marine Drive and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) area on Sunday morning as air quality was recorded at 162 in the ‘moderate’ category. 

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued notices to over 100 contractors and real estate firms, asking them to follow dust mitigation regulations or face consequences. The BMC has also planned to install air purifiers at five locations where construction activities are high.

On Saturday, several areas reported ‘poor’ AQI levels, such as Chembur (225), Colaba (220) and Deonar (259). The Bandra Kurla Complex (IITM) also recorded a ‘poor’ AQI of 210. Other areas, such as Bandra Kurla Complex (MPCB), Borivali East (IITM), Borivali East (MPCB), Chakala-Andheri East (IITM), Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (T2), Kandivali East and Worli reported ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ AQI.

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The pollution level in the island city has been in the moderate category over the last few days. On Friday, the AQI was 171 and on Thursday, it was 160. A layer of haze was visible in Mumbai on Sunday morning, indicating the poor air quality.

According to the Mumbai Air Pollution Mitigation Plan (MAPMP) document, the key factor contributing to pollution in Mumbai is the dust arising from the construction and demolition work on the string of ongoing projects in the city. The BMC has given one month to builders to acquire sprinklers and fogging machines at construction sites but has already started issuing notices to several contractors and real estate firms who have been appointed to carry out private and government projects in the city. 

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The notices explicitly instruct these entities to strictly adhere to dust mitigation regulations, warning of potential consequences if they fail to comply. The BMC’s communication specifically targets contractors and real estate firms operating within the P North civic ward in western Mumbai, particularly the suburb of Malad.

In response to the escalating air pollution crisis, the BMC announced plans to install air purifiers at strategic locations, including Jogeshwari’s JVLR Junction, Chembur, Mulund, BKC and Dahisar, as per a report by Indian Express. These areas have witnessed a surge in construction activities, contributing significantly to the city’s pollution levels. The air purifiers are expected to reduce the particulate matter (PM) levels in the air by 40-60%.