Mumbai air pollution: BMC implements stringent measures, bans burning of trash

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In response to the deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken significant steps to address air pollution through the issuance of comprehensive guidelines on Wednesday. These guidelines, signed by the municipal commissioner, Iqbal Singh Chahal, include strict measures to mitigate air pollution across the city.

One of the primary directives outlined in the guidelines is a complete ban on the open-air burning of trash or any materials within the BMC's geographical area. This prohibition extends to garbage dumping grounds and potential sites of trash burning. This move is aimed at curbing the practice of open burning that significantly contributes to air pollution in urban areas.

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Another key aspect of the guidelines pertains to the transportation of construction materials. Builders in the city are now required to use vehicles equipped with tracking systems for the transportation of construction materials. This measure aims to ensure efficient monitoring and adherence to regulations.

To further control air pollution at construction sites, the guidelines mandate the installation of CCTV cameras around the periphery of all construction sites. The purpose is to monitor the condition of vehicles, specifically checking that they are clean and not overloaded, thus reducing the risk of dust generation during transportation.

The guidelines also emphasize the need for appropriate covering of under-construction and under-demolition buildings. Such structures should be wrapped in green cloth, jute sheets, or tarpaulin from all sides to minimize dust emissions during construction and demolition activities.

Moreover, during the demolition of structures, the guidelines require the continuous sprinkling or spraying of water to suppress dust. Similar measures, such as water fogging, must be implemented during the loading and unloading of construction materials to prevent dust generation.

All vehicles involved in transporting construction materials should be fully covered and not overloaded to avoid any spillage on the road, contributing to a cleaner environment.

To monitor air quality at various work sites, the BMC guidelines call for the deployment of sensor-based air pollution monitors. Immediate action is expected to be taken when pollution levels surpass prescribed limits, ensuring a swift response to deteriorating air quality.

Guidelines also stipulate that potentially dust-generating activities such as grinding, cutting, drilling, sawing, and trimming should be conducted in enclosed areas equipped with continuous water sprinkling or fogging systems.

The directives require the erection of 25-foot walls around BMC worksites, including under-construction bridges, flyovers, and above-ground metro works. These walls are intended to minimize dust and debris dispersion from these areas.

Furthermore, BMC ward officers will be responsible for establishing enforcement squads comprising two engineers, a policeman, and a marshal dedicated to air pollution mitigation. These squads will conduct site visits and videography to ensure compliance with the guidelines. Non-compliance may result in actions such as the issuance of stop-work notices and the immediate sealing of the work site.

The guidelines provide timelines for the installation of specific measures, including sprinklers and fog guns at construction and work sites. A 15-day and 30-day deadline has been set for these installations, respectively.

The BMC's stringent measures reflect the municipality's commitment to combating air pollution and enhancing the quality of life for Mumbai residents..