MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced on Thursday that ‘stop work’ notices were issued to 106 construction sites for not installing mandatory air quality monitoring systems.
The 106 projects affected include private developments, railway bridge construction in Sion, and activities by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in K East ward and the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) in H East ward.
“Despite multiple reminders since May 2025, many construction sites failed to comply with regulations, resulting in the immediate issuance of ‘stop work’ notices. This enforcement follows directives making air quality sensors obligatory for all ongoing projects,” the BMC’s release stated.
Projects with budgets exceeding Rs 1,000 crore are specifically required to install reference-grade air quality monitors.
The BMC’s Environment and Climate Change Department emphasized that projects that have not yet complied must submit reports immediately; otherwise, strict action will be taken.
Inspections are ongoing, and additional notices will be issued to other non-compliant construction sites.
As part of its action plan, the BMC has instructed all departmental teams to carry out site inspections, verify logbooks, and enforce compliance promptly.
The crackdown extends beyond construction sites, as the BMC has also asked the public health department to issue stop work notices to bakery units that violate emission standards related to smoke and fuel usage. “We will not compromise on improving Mumbai’s air quality,” the release stated.
Currently, there are 28 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in Mumbai, with 14 managed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, nine by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and five by the BMC.
The data from these stations, maintained according to Central Pollution Control Board protocols, can be accessed via the CPCB website and the ‘Sameer’ mobile app. Residents are encouraged to refrain from practices such as open waste burning.
The next hearing in the Bombay High Court related to air pollution is set for Friday.
