BMC Penalizes Powai Construction Site ₹1 Lakh for Dust Pollution After Video Posted On Social Media

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Mumbai: The BMC ’s S ward office has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on an under-construction site near the main gate of IIT-Bombay in Powai after a video showing a massive dust storm emanating from the premises went viral on social media platform X.

The video, posted by the X handle @mumbaimatters, showed a thick cloud of dust engulfing the surrounding area and questioned the enforcement of the civic body’s dust pollution control norms.

“What nonsense is this? It’s a Dust Storm. SOPs for #DustPollutionControl all seem to be just on paper. Watch this blatant Violation of all norms. What’s @mybmc @mpcb_official doing?” the post said.

Following the circulation of the video, the BMC’s solid waste management team from S ward visited the site, identified as Dhayankunj building , on Nov 3, Tuesday, and conducted an inspection.

“An inspection report was issued under air pollution norms . The site has been penalized Rs 1 lakh. We are issuing a stop-work notice to the project,” said Samrin Sayyed , assistant municipal commissioner S ward.

The official added that the building falls under the C-1 category, which denotes a dilapidated structure.

The BMC issued comprehensive guidelines on Oct 15, 2024, for air pollution mitigation measures. These include erecting tin sheets around the construction sites; compulsory enclosing of construction sites with green cloth/jute sheet/tarpaulin from all sides; spraying of water during the demolition of structures; and scientific storage. Buildings under construction shall ensure water fogging is carried out during loading and unloading of materials at the construction site; besides, water sprinkling needs to be done on debris/earth material etc. which are prone to generate airborne particulate matter.