The directives were issued during a review meeting to assess measures to improve Mumbai’s air quality and implement the Bombay High Court’s directions on noise pollution caused by firecrackers and its impact on public health.
Bhide said developers and construction contractors were responsible for controlling dust at construction sites and on adjoining roads. They must ensure that construction areas remain clean, take appropriate measures to prevent dust from spreading into the air and comply with prescribed construction-site regulations.
The BMC chief emphasised that the civic body's 28-point air pollution control guidelines must be implemented on the ground rather than remain confined to official paperwork.
The departments concerned were directed to coordinate their efforts and regularly inspect the implementation of pollution-control measures. Bhide instructed officials to take prompt action wherever violations were found.
Action Against Faulty Air Quality Monitoring Systems
The commissioner also directed officials to ensure that Mumbai’s air quality monitoring stations, sensors and related equipment remained operational and provided accurate readings.
According to the BMC, strict action should be taken against those responsible if monitoring systems were found switched off or displaying incorrect data.
Bhide instructed the departments concerned to use modern equipment for road cleaning and organise special cleanliness drives to control dust pollution.
The departments were asked to coordinate their efforts to achieve tangible improvements in the city’s air quality.
BMC Directs Strict Compliance With Firecracker Restrictions
The review meeting also covered the implementation of the Bombay High Court’s directions on noise pollution caused by firecrackers and its impact on public health.
According to the BMC, the High Court has prohibited bursting firecrackers on public roads, lanes and footpaths, as well as in silence zones around schools, hospitals, government offices and courts.
Bhide directed civic officials to ensure strict compliance with the court’s directions at the ward level.
She also called for public awareness campaigns highlighting the noise pollution and health risks associated with firecrackers.
Civic officials were asked to work with local public representatives to spread awareness and organise initiatives for students in government and private schools.
The commissioner urged citizens to use green firecrackers instead of those that cause higher pollution.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakane, Deputy Commissioner (Municipal Commissioner’s Office) Prashant Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner (Environment and Climate Change) Avinash Kate, zonal joint commissioners, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and other officials attended the meeting.
The directives place construction-site dust control, reliable air quality monitoring and compliance with firecracker restrictions among the key measures being pursued by the BMC to improve Mumbai’s air quality and address pollution-related health concerns.
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