Mumbai: MMRDA Unveils Strict Guidelines To Combat Dust Pollution From Construction Sites

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has issued stringent guidelines to curb dust pollution caused by construction activities. These measures are a critical step toward improving Mumbai’s air quality and ensuring sustainable urban development.

The new guidelines outline immediate actions to control dust, monitor construction activities, manage debris, and regulate vehicle transport at MMRDA project sites. The initiative underscores the authority’s commitment to addressing environmental concerns while continuing its developmental efforts.

To ensure strict compliance, MMRDA has introduced a robust penalty structure for contractors failing to adhere to these guidelines. Non-compliance will attract fines starting from Rs 5 lakh for the first instance, escalating to Rs 20 lakh and work suspension for repeated violations.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "MMR’s development must align with our environmental priorities. These measures reaffirm our government’s dedication to building a sustainable and healthy urban ecosystem for future generations."

Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of MMRDA, Eknath Shinde, said, "Improving MMR’s air quality is a priority for all of us. The stringent measures undertaken by MMRDA will be instrumental in controlling pollution caused by construction activities. While implementing developmental projects, we equally emphasize environmental protection. We are committed to building a cleaner and more sustainable MMR."

MetropolitanCommissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, emphasized, "Ensuring clean air is a shared responsibility. These guidelines represent MMRDA’s proactive approach in balancing rapid infrastructure development with environmental stewardship. We urge all stakeholders to comply and contribute to a cleaner Mumbai."

The guidelines come into effect immediately and are applicable to all ongoing and future MMRDA projects. Executive Engineers have been directed to oversee the implementation, maintain records, and report progress weekly.

Key Measures:

o Deployment of water sprinklers and fogging machines across all construction sites.

o Regular water sprinkling during earth-moving operations and on stacked materials.

o Use of mechanical power sweeping machines for roads around project areas.

o Frequent inspections to ensure compliance with existing guidelines.

o Comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanisms to assess progress.

o Elimination of unauthorized dumping and optimized movement of construction and demolition (C&D) waste to minimize dust.

o Strict adherence to guidelines for vehicles transporting construction materials, including proper coverings and permissions.

o Prohibition of Waste Burning:

o A complete ban on burning waste at project premises.