MPCB officials have started visiting construction sites to compare developers’ self-declared dust data with that of on-site situation in a bid to curb pollution levels in the state, especially in Pune and Mumbai metropolitan regions.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) issued directions in this regard last week. The officials have started the checks in Mumbai and are expected to follow suit in Pune in the days to come. “In case of violations, the officials have been empowered to even levy a fine on the developers,” an MPCB official said.
The official said notices have already been issued to the developers of some construction sites for flouting the norms.
For every construction site spread above 20,000sqm, developers have to seek environment clearance from MPCB and abide by the norms. “Environment clearance covers air pollution control data and dust suppression. The MPCB teams will measure the ambient air quality system at all the construction sites to understand if the norms have been adhered to,” an environment expert said.
Credai members said they have already circulated MPCB guidelines among all members. “We are thoroughly monitoring if the developers are following the guidelines, which include enclosing under-construction buildings with green cloth and continuous sprinkling of water during demolition activities,” Credai national vice-president Sunil Furde said. “The installation of the air quality monitoring equipment, sprinkler systems and other measures are not mere recommendations, but essential steps used to combat air pollution effectively,” he said.
A leading city builder said construction activities were among several factors contributing to air pollution. “Increase in PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants is a bigger concern. Since construction dust is a prime source of coarser particles, the spike in AQI may be attributed to big-ticket infrastructure projects,” an air quality expert said.