According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai was recorded as poor today at several locations with an AQI above 200 at around 6 a.m.
In response to Mumbai's declining air quality, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a warning on October 21 that it would cease construction activity at all sites if dust and pollution control measures were not implemented. According to a BMC press release, norms or standard operating procedures for guaranteeing better air quality will be released by October 23.
According to a formal release, the city's municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal disclosed that there were over 6,000 construction sites under way.
To discuss the serious levels of air pollution in the city, Chahal invited stakeholders to a meeting. He oversees the civic organisation. BMC's press release stated, “At all these places (where construction is going on) dust- and pollution-control measures should be implemented. Else, construction will be stopped, be it private or government work,"
During the meeting, Chahal put forth a number of proposals, including fencing off construction sites with 35-foot-tall iron sheet barriers, covering unfinished buildings with green cloth or jute sheets, providing anti-smog guns within 30 days and installing sprinkler systems at construction sites within 15 days.
(Representative Image /PTI)
