With Diwali approaching, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up its efforts to control air pollution, focusing on road dust, construction activity, and compliance with pollution-control
norms. The civic body has earmarked Rs 15 lakh per ward for a pre-Diwali dust mitigation drive, which will run from October 28 to November 7, with major roads, highways, medians, and footpaths set to be cleaned using mechanical sweepers, sprinklers, and misting machines.
The drive is aimed at reducing dust generated by road traffic and construction-related activity, both of which contribute to deteriorating air quality. The BMC’s latest measures also include stricter enforcement of its 28-point air pollution control guidelines, with civic officials directed to ensure that the rules are implemented on the ground rather than remaining limited to official instructions.
At a review meeting, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide directed officials to intensify dust-control measures at construction sites and on adjoining roads. Developers and construction contractors have been told to take responsibility for keeping their sites clean and preventing dust from spreading into the surrounding areas. The commissioner also called for regular monitoring of air quality stations and sensors, with action against those found displaying incorrect data or remaining non-functional.
The civic body has also directed its administrative wards to ensure compliance with the Bombay High Court’s orders on firecracker-related noise pollution. Public awareness campaigns are to be conducted through local representatives and schools, while citizens are being encouraged to opt for green firecrackers.
BMC has also roped in actor Dia Mirza, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and Marathi actor Swapnil Joshi to run a drive against pollution. The anti-pollution campaign which will be run by these celebrities, aims to spread awareness of the implications of bursting firecrackers in public spaces.
In a separate enforcement action, the BMC’s N Ward has issued second warning notices to seven ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants after inspections revealed deficiencies in their air pollution control measures. The plants had earlier been instructed on October 5 to comply with the prescribed guidelines. However, a site inspection found shortcomings in arrangements for washing vehicle tyres, green cloth coverings around the plants, fogging and water sprinkling for dust suppression, and cleanliness in surrounding areas.
The second warning notices were issued on October 27, directing all seven plants to rectify the deficiencies within seven days of receiving the notices. They must also submit compliance reports supported by photographs. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has been informed, and the civic body has warned that further violations could invite strict action under applicable laws.
Together, the measures signal a broader push by the BMC to address pollution sources across the city ahead of Diwali, combining road-cleaning operations with closer scrutiny of construction sites and industrial facilities. The focus now will be on how effectively these measures are implemented and whether they translate into a tangible improvement in Mumbai’s air quality.
