Mumbai AQI: BMC chief calls for joint effort to improve city, MMR's air quality

To prevent the air quality situation from spiralling out of control, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has issued stringent instructions for the effective implementation of guidelines aimed at curbing air pollution across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). At the fourth meeting of the MMR Coordination Committee, held at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters, Gagrani stressed the urgent need to address both large-scale pollution sources and smaller contributing factors, calling for comprehensive action.

The meeting was convened in response to the directives issued by the Bombay High Court on June 20, aimed at municipal corporations and municipalities in MMR to mitigate air pollution. In attendance were senior officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), including Member Secretary Dr Avinash Dhakne and Joint Director of Air Pollution Control Dr V M Motghare, along with senior BMC and police officials. Municipal commissioners and representatives from neighbouring regions, such as Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Vasai-Virar, also participated via video conferencing.

Tackling air quality crisis

Gagrani highlighted that rapid urbanisation, ongoing construction projects, and shifting weather patterns are key contributors to deteriorating air quality in the region. He expressed concerns about the rising levels of dust and other particulate matter, which have exacerbated air pollution. The civic commissioner stressed that a strategic approach is required to control dust, and that immediate measures should be put in place.

"The dust generated by large-scale construction activities is one of the significant causes of air pollution. Strict action must be taken against violators to ensure compliance," Gagrani asserted.

The municipal commissioner also called for increased vigilance by municipal staff, police officers, and other regulatory authorities in the region. He instructed them to be proactive in identifying and penalising sources for air pollution. Officers and staff are expected to conduct regular inspections and monitor the progress of pollution control efforts on the ground.

The civic commissioner also reinforced the importance of adhering to the guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that have already been issued to address air pollution. Both, government and private entities involved in construction and industrial activities are expected to follow these rules without exception.

Regional collaboration

Representatives from various municipalities, including Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Mira-Bhayander, expressed their commitment to working with BMC to ensure pollution control measures are enforced. In light of the region's interconnected environmental issues, Gagrani stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all local bodies to ensure uniformity in air pollution mitigation strategies.

The road ahead

With air quality levels likely to worsen during the upcoming winter months, the meeting concluded with a renewed sense of urgency.

The MMR Coordination Committee will continue to meet regularly to ensure that air pollution control measures are enforced rigorously. Gagrani's directives signal a stronger crackdown on polluters and reinforce the civic body's commitment to ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for the city's residents.

The next meeting of the coordination committee is expected to take place in November to assess the progress of these measures.

June 20
Day HC issued directives to mitigate air pollution