Battling Air Pollution in Mumbai: A Comprehensive Overview of Recent Regulations

Earlier this year, Jhatkaa set up a petition to demand better regulations around construction-based air pollution in Mumbai city.

In a significant move to combat the escalating air pollution crisis in Mumbai, Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal announced a series of regulations on October 20th, 2023. These regulations aim to address the various contributors to air pollution, with a particular focus on construction sites, vehicles, industries, and overall city cleanliness. Here, we delve into the details of these regulations, their potential impact, and the importance of collective efforts in ensuring their effective implementation.

Construction Site Regulations:

1. Enclosures and Covers:

• For areas exceeding one acre, a 35-feet iron/sheet covering is mandatory.
• Areas less than one acre must have a 25-feet iron/sheet/cloth cover.
• The entire construction area should be covered with jute or green cloth.

2. Dust Prevention Measures:

• Implementation of a sprinkler system to water construction sites 4-5 times a day.
• Mandatory installation of anti-smog machines within 15 days.
• Frost spraying and dust prevention plants are mandated for government construction projects like metro, roads, and flyovers.

3. Demolition Procedures:

• All-around cover is required during building demolitions to prevent dust spread.
• Cutting and grinding activities should occur in enclosed or covered areas.

4. Safety Protocols for Workers:

• Provision of protective gear for construction workers, including masks and goggles.

Regulations for Construction Vehicles:

1. Vehicle Covering and Maintenance:

• Construction material and debris-hauling vehicles must be covered.
• Adherence to weight limits for vehicles.
• Frost spraying during debris hauling, with wheels cleaned after each consignment.

2. Vehicle Monitoring:

• Installation of CCTV cameras to monitor vehicle capacities and cleanliness.

3. Compliance and Control:

• Strict adherence to Pollution Under Control (PUC) tests for construction-related vehicles.
• Stringent transportation regulations for debris and waste, with legal consequences for violations.

Instructions for Industries and Professions:

1. Pollution Control and Inspections:

• Review and strict implementation of pollution control measures in large power, energy, and gas projects.
• Regular inspection of pollution control systems at project sites by designated teams.

Special Teams and Inspections:

1. Construction Site Inspections:

• Special teams designated for inspecting construction sites in all 24 administrative divisions.
• Immediate cessation of work at sites with deficiencies in dust prevention measures.

2. Road Cleaning and Dust Control:

• Prohibition of entry of older diesel-based vehicles in the city.
• Regular inspections by the BMC Roads Department to reduce road dust.
• Scheduled anti-smog machine applications on heavily trafficked roads.

The recent regulations set forth by Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal represent a crucial step towards mitigating air pollution in Mumbai. While these measures hold promise, their success depends on rigorous implementation and continuous efforts from both authorities and citizens. The construction sector, vehicular emissions, and industrial activities are significant contributors to air pollution, and these regulations target them comprehensively.

It is imperative for citizens to stay informed, actively participate in compliance, and raise awareness about the importance of these measures. Collective responsibility and sustained advocacy will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Mumbai breathes cleaner air in the years to come. Jhatkaa is exploring new avenues to engage with our leaders on this vital issue. One exciting idea is establishing a citizen reporting system to monitor compliance with these construction regulations. We’ve seen the positive impact of such systems in other cities, like the one we set up for waste management issues in Bangalore. Please let us know if you’re interested in reporting instances of construction regulation violations; we would greatly appreciate hearing from you.

Sources:

• Mumbai air quality: BMC issues pollution control guidelines to 6,000 construction sites – Money Control
• Mumbai: BMC issues new guidelines to construction sites to curb air pollution ZeeBusiness
• Construction sites violating BMC’s air pollution guidelines to be sealed Hindistan Times
• Mumbai Air Pollution: BMC implements stringent measures to reduce pollution at construction site CNBC TV18
• Mumbai Air Pollution: BMC asks some builders to stop work over foul air TOI
• English Jagran – Mumbai Surpasses Delhi in Air Pollution for Second Consecutive Day, Records 113 AQI
• Mint – Its Mumbai vs Delhi again! Financial capital beats National capital on air pollution as THESE areas record very poor AQI