The BMC has till date collected nearly Rs 24.2 lakh in fines from construction sites for non-adherence of the air pollution mitigation guidelines issued in October.
The highest fine collection — Rs 12.6 lakh — was from construction sites that failed to keep the surroundings clean and allowed accumulation of dust and debris, followed by Rs 9.2 lakh on those involved in illegal construction and demolition waste. A total of Rs 2.1 lakh was imposed for not covering the vehicles transporting construction waste and Rs 24,900 for burning of garbage.
Explaining the reason for the low penalty collection for uncovered vehicles ferrying construction waste, a civic official said the Bombay high court had issued directions to stop transportation of debris between November 6 and 19 and had authorised BMC to extend the ban deadline if the city’s air quality does not improve. But as the air quality got better, the BMC, on November 22, allowed transportation of debris from construction sites.
However, former BMC corporator and opposition party leader Ravi Raja said Rs 24.2 lakh penalty was negligible in light of projects worth thousands of crores underway in Mumbai. “Violations by numerous construction sites are easily discernible and if the reported fines amount to only Rs 24.2 lakh across the 24 wards it signifies lack of sufficient action on part of the BMC,” he added.
Pointing out that stop-work notices, and not penalties, hit construction sites the hardest, a ward officer said: “They are quick to ensure that all compliances are met as they do not want to delay work. So, we have been issuing stop-work notices.” Till date, the BMC has issued 763 stop-work notices across the city’s 24 wards, and even sealed seven construction sites in K-East ward.
On October 25, the BMC issued air pollution mitigation guidelines for construction-related activities, following a call from the PMO to CM Ekanth Shinde asking him to take steps to prevent pollution in Mumbai. The guidelines mandated iron sheet enclosures at sites, tarpaulin or jute covering, sprinkler system and anti-smog gun installations, CCTV coverage to keep a check on overloaded trucks and debris handling, fully covered vehicles carrying construction material and debris generated at site be taken to designated areas, among others.