28 Dec, 2024 9:50 PM IST|Sakshi post
Mumbai, December 28 (IANS) Amid deteriorating air quality, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Saturday issued strict guidelines to curb dust pollution caused by construction activities. These measures are a crucial step towards improving air quality in Mumbai and ensuring sustainable urban development.
The new guidelines outline emergency measures for dust control, monitoring construction activities, handling debris and regulating vehicle movement at MMRDA project sites. To ensure strict compliance, MMRDA has introduced a strict penalty structure for contractors who do not adhere to these guidelines.
Failure to comply will result in fines starting from Rs 5 lakh in the first case, which can go up to Rs 20 lakh and suspension from work for repeated violations.
To control dust, MMRDA has mandated use of water sprinklers and foggers at all construction sites, regular sprinkling of water during earthmoving work and on stacked materials, and use of mechanical sweepers for roads around project areas.
Regular checks are carried out to ensure compliance with existing guidelines. There will also be comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanisms to assess progress.
As far as waste management is concerned, unauthorized dumping must be prevented and the transportation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste must be optimized to minimize dust.
Additionally, MMRDA has stressed the need for strict compliance with guidelines for vehicles transporting construction materials, including proper covers and permits, and there will be a complete ban on waste burning at the project site.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “The development of MMR must be in line with our environmental priorities. These actions reaffirm our government’s commitment to building a sustainable and healthy urban ecosystem for future generations.”
Deputy CM and MMRDA chairman Eknath Shinde said, “Improving the air quality of MMR is a priority for all of us. The stringent measures taken by MMRDA will help curb pollution caused by construction activities. When implementing development projects, we attach equal importance to environmental protection. We are committed to building a cleaner and more sustainable MMR.”
Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee said, “Ensuring clean air is a shared responsibility. These guidelines represent MMRDA's proactive approach to balance rapid infrastructure development with environmental protection. We urge all stakeholders to adhere to this and contribute to a cleaner Mumbai.”
The guidelines are effective immediately and apply to all ongoing and future MMRDA projects. Senior engineers were instructed to monitor implementation, maintain records and report weekly on progress.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feeds.