MUMBAI: In a decisive step to tackle air pollution, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday evening issued stop work notices to two construction sites for non-compliance with guidelines. air pollution control. The sites, located at Vile Parle and JB Nagar in Andheri East, were found to be in violation of critical measures to reduce dust and particle emissions during construction and demolition activities.

The violations were first revealed by residents of the two localities, who reported the problem to authorities. Acting quickly, special squads were deployed by the civic body to investigate, leading to the issuance of stop work orders. In JB Nagar, the demolition resulted in debris falling onto a nearby chawl, while in Vile Parle, a significant amount of dust was generated due to lack of proper covering.

With air quality expected to deteriorate in November, the civic body has stepped up efforts to ensure that construction sites follow necessary protocols to reduce air pollution.

The violations fall under the BMC’s air pollution mitigation guidelines issued on October 25, 2023, which outline specific measures to be followed at construction sites. For example, construction sites over 70 feet must be surrounded at least 35 feet high. Sheet metal or sheet metal structures being demolished must be completely covered with a tarpaulin and watering must be carried out continuously during demolition.

Manish Valanju, deputy commissioner of K East ward (Andheri East, Vile Parle East and Jogeshwari East), confirmed the issuance of stop work notices at sites located at Shahaji Raje Road in Vile Parle and JB Nagar in Andheri East.

At one of the sites, demolition work was underway and at the other site, no adequate dust control measures were in place. “Demolition was underway, but the site remained uncovered, leading to excessive dust pollution which could have been avoided with proper dust control measures,” Valanju explained.

Valanju noted that based on trends over the past two years, air quality in Mumbai generally deteriorates in November and December.

“We have issued a 354(a) notice. They must comply within 24 hours, otherwise the site will be sealed,” warned Valanju.

Both Chandak Realtors Pvt. Ltd, project manager Andheri East, and Kamala Homes & Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd, which is overseeing the Vile Parle project, has received notices to stop work. Although Chandak Realtors is yet to respond, Kamala Homes is not available for comment.

The stop work notices, issued under Section 354A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, directed the developers to immediately stop construction and submit proof of compliance with the approved guidelines within 24 hours. The notices also warned that non-compliance would result in the removal of all construction materials, machinery and equipment from the site at the developers’ risk and expense.

The notice stated: “If the construction of the building or the execution of the works is not stopped immediately or if the directions issued as above are not complied with regarding the notice, all materials, machines, equipment, devices or items used in the process. erection of said building or execution of said work will be removed from the site, at your risk and expense, without further notice.