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Mumbai Battles Smog: Construction Halts Proposed
26 Oct
Summary
- Construction halts proposed for one day weekly to combat pollution.
- A Mumbai-specific pollution action plan has been suggested.
- Stricter checks on polluting vehicles and debris burning are urged.
Mumbai's air quality has become a serious concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering around 170 recently. In response, suburban guardian minister Ashish Shelar has proposed halting all construction and demolition activities across the city for one day each week to curb rising pollution levels.
Shelar has urged the municipal commissioner to implement immediate and effective measures, especially with winter likely to worsen air pollution. His proposals include a Mumbai-specific Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), regular road washing with treated wastewater, and timely pothole repairs. He also suggested deploying anti-smog guns and mist sprayers in highly polluted areas.
Furthermore, Shelar called for stricter enforcement against polluting vehicles through coordinated efforts with traffic police and the RTO, including increased checks on PUC certificates. He also proposed a dedicated helpline for reporting waste burning and illegal dumping, with prompt action against offenders and public reporting of weekly actions taken.
While acknowledging BMC's existing pollution-control measures at construction sites and PM10 level declines since 2017-18, Shelar stressed the need for more comprehensive action. He urged the completion of sensor-based air-quality monitoring system installations at construction sites and the conversion of bakeries using coal to cleaner fuels.
