21 October 2023, Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Corporation (BMC) has responded to the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai, which recently entered the ‘poor’ category. As pollution levels rise, BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal took action by issuing pollution control guidelines. Construction activities, which contribute significantly to the city’s air pollution, were a primary focus. Mumbai currently has approximately 6,000 ongoing construction sites, making this an urgent concern.
Stringent Guidelines
BMC’s list of pollution control guidelines entails several crucial measures. Firstly, it mandates the use of 35-foot high iron sheet enclosures around construction sites and covers under-construction buildings with green cloth or jute sheets from all sides. To combat dust and particulate matter, sprinkler systems are to be installed at all construction sites within 15 days, while anti-smog guns must be provided within 30 days. Moreover, the BMC emphasizes the proper covering of vehicles transporting construction debris with tarpaulin sheets to prevent further contamination.
Roadside Air Quality Control
The BMC has also laid out a plan to deploy anti-smog guns on 50 to 60 major roads within the city. Furthermore, a collaboration between the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the BMC will involve experts verifying the pollution levels associated with refineries, the Tata Power plant, and the RCF plant. This entails the regular collection of random samples, which will undergo chemical analysis to ensure these industrial installations are not causing pollution.
Air Quality Data
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data illustrates the severity of the issue, with the air quality index (AQI) exceeding 200 around 6 am on a specific Saturday. Notable areas like Bandra, Malad, Borivali, and Worli reported varying AQI levels, with the highest being 229 in Malad. An AQI ranging from zero to 50 is deemed good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, and 401 to 500 classified as severe air quality.
Addressing Environmental Pollution
The overarching goal of these guidelines is to tackle the rising problem of environmental pollution. The balance of gases in the atmosphere is crucial for survival, and any alterations in this composition, whether through natural or artificial means, can have adverse effects on the ecosystem. This imbalance is particularly relevant as it contributes to global warming, a severe issue that stems from changes in gas composition in the atmosphere.
As environmental issues grow in complexity and severity, addressing pollution is a fundamental responsibility to ensure the well-being of our planet and future generations. Awareness of the origins and impacts of pollutants plays a critical role in reducing environmental damage and pollution. By enforcing these guidelines, BMC aims to take a significant step towards restoring cleaner air in Mumbai and safeguarding the health and environment of its citizens.
By Yashika Desai