BMC stops work at 106 sites for violating air quality norms

Mumbai’s civic body has ordered an immediate halt to construction activity at 106 sites across the city after they failed to comply with mandatory air quality monitoring norms.

In an official release, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said several construction sites continued to violate prescribed environmental requirements despite repeated follow-ups conducted since May 2025.

“Despite repeated follow-ups since May 2025, several construction sites were found violating norms, prompting the civic administration to order immediate issuance of ‘stop work’ notices. The action follows direction making it compulsory for all ongoing construction projects to install air quality sensors,” the release said.

The civic body further clarified that large-scale projects have been asked to meet stricter compliance standards.
“Projects costing over Rs1,000 crore have been specifically instructed to set up reference-grade air quality monitors,” it added.

According to the BMC, construction sites that have not yet installed the required air quality sensors have been directed to submit compliance reports immediately. Failure to do so will invite continued enforcement action. Civic officials said inspections are ongoing and notices will also be issued to remaining sites found to be non-compliant.

The 106 projects include private developments, railway bridge construction works in Sion, as well as projects being executed by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in K East ward and the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) in H East ward.

As part of a pre-decided action plan, the civic administration has instructed departmental teams to continue site inspections, verify logbooks, and ensure prompt enforcement wherever violations are detected.

The enforcement drive is not limited to construction activity alone.
“The crackdown is not limited to construction sites alone. The BMC has also directed the public health department to issue stop work notices to bakery units found violating emission norms related to smoke, fuel usage and pollution standards. No compromise would be made on improving Mumbai’s air quality,” the release said.

At present, 28 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) are operational across Mumbai. Of these, 14 are managed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, nine by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and five by the BMC.

“The data from these reference-grade stations, maintained as per Central Pollution Control Board protocols, is available on the CPCB website and the ‘Sameer’ mobile application,” the release said.
Citizens have also been urged to avoid practices such as open burning of waste. Meanwhile, the next hearing in the Bombay High Court related to air pollution matters is scheduled for Friday.