See a polluter? Snap a pic, activist tells people of Mumbai and MMR

Stalin D’s post asks citizens to shoot dust-causing activities and uncovered construction materials over the next coming weeks. Representation Pic/Nimesh Dave

While the government has published circulars and instructions to reduce air pollution, an environmentalist in the city has started an initiative to monitor their compliance. Stalin D is collecting data on violations committed by those involved in construction operations in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The data will be submitted to the Bombay High Court (HC) in the coming days.

Environmentalist Stalin, who runs the NGO Vanashakti, said, "We want to show the scale of violations happening in MMR by reckless and careless construction activities. Citizens are the best watchdogs to spot violations. The HC has roped in the police, which will make it easier to tackle the menace of pollution. We will produce the evidence of violation before the HC to help it take stringent actions to improve the air quality in MMR."

Stalin has reached out to citizens through a Facebook post which appeals Mumbai and MMR residents to take GPS-tagged pictures of pollution-causing activities and share them with him.

Stalin's Facebook post from Tuesday, November 7, reads, "Dear Friends who live in Mumbai Metropolitan Area, please use GPS tagging and take pictures of dumpers carrying construction material without covering it and also take photos of sites that cause dust pollution. Post them here. Mumbai, Thane, Panvel,Kalyan, Badlapur, Vasai etc. This has to be done in the next four days and for a month. Wherever you see the uncovered truck or see any site that is causing air pollution, please take GPS tagged pictures and share with me."

So far, six people have shared GPS-tagged pictures depicting activities violating the guidelines in force in Mumbai and MMR. In Navi Mumbai, too, an environment lover, who did not want to be named, has claimed widespread construction activities and a dusty, polluted environment.