BMC requests that certain builders cease construction due to the unclean air in Mumbai.

MUMBAI: The BMC has started to issue stop-work letters to builders who are not adhering to its latest standards regarding air pollution due to pressure. Stop-work notices have reportedly been issued for at least three to four building sites, including one each in Mulund and Santacruz, according to sources.

A flying team assigned to enforce air pollution mitigation visited the construction site and discovered the builder had not met 13 stipulations, according to a stop-work notice issued to Prestige City in Mulund (W) by the T ward office.

The builder has been instructed to obtain and install anti-smog guns and sprinklers within 15 and 30 days of the guidelines’ release date, which is October 25.

The spectrum of standards that are broken includes air pollution sensors and metal sheet covers on construction sites.

Locations without 25-foot sheets and damp cloth

The construction sites that have received stop-work orders from the BMC have disregarded a number of regulations.

These include installing sensor-based air pollution monitors at construction sites, enclosing the site with wet cloth, jute, or tarpaulin cover, installing 25-foot high metal sheets around the perimeter of the site, and making data available to BMC upon request.

When transporting construction materials, vehicles must be fully covered to prevent debris or building materials from becoming airborne.

The requirements also stipulate that water sprinkler/fog continually be used while working, and that all grinding, cutting, drilling, sawing, and trimming operations must be completed in an enclosed space.

Additionally, all demolition and construction waste must be delivered to specified locations, and managers and workers must wear safety gear at all times.

Despite being a residential site, the stop work notice also mentions that there has been a violation of the rule mandating that all worksites, including flyovers and bridges, have a minimum 20-foot barricading, that all Metro work above ground is covered with a 20-foot barricading, that open burning at dumping sites (especially garbage) be prohibited, and that roads have paved walkways.

According to project management specialist Harshad More, installing 25-foot roadblocks could lead to mishaps because of typical wind flow. Furthermore, since the rules were released, the market has dried up and anti-smog weapons and sprinkler stock are no longer available.

The real estate industry consultant Suyog Seth said, “Please spend thirty minutes in a structure that is entirely wrapped with green cloth from all sides. And laborers are expected to work inside this structure.

Furthermore, given the approaching Diwali, there is a significant risk that Chinese lanterns and rockets would land in these construction sites, setting these sheets on fire.

“What would happen if there were workers inside?” According to a source, the BMC has given employees 15–30 days to follow the rules or cease working. He declared, “By the end of this deadline, all works, including government and corporate infrastructure projects, will have to be stopped.”