Mumbai: The BMC issued stop-work notices to 33 construction sites in Byculla and 45 sites in Borivali East on Tuesday evening, after the 24-hour deadline to bring the ongoing work to a safe position had passed.
This action follows the consistent recording of Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above 200, indicating “poor” air quality. Additionally, it has been made mandatory for developers to prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
Civic officials from the concerned wards conducted reviews in their respective areas and issued notices to ongoing construction sites, including both private and public infrastructure projects on Tuesday.
Developers in these areas will have to prove to the BMC that they are adhering to the 28-point guidelines to mitigate air pollution at their sites. After evaluation, the civic authorities will decide whether to allow the continuation of their projects.
The civic body has also warned that non-compliance will result in legal action under Section 52 of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act, 1966, potentially leading to a non-bailable police case.
A total of 286 sites across Mumbai have been issued stop-work notices. If these sites continue to violate the guidelines, the civic body will file an FIR under the MRTP Act, which deals with penalties for unauthorised development or land use.
“We are closely monitoring AQI in Worli and Colaba-Navy Nagar as these areas are also witnessing poor air quality. Our team will ensure that the construction sites in these areas follow implementing the civic body’s 28-point dust mitigation guidelines,” said a civic official.
