Andheri West Builder Flouts BMC Dust Rules, Faces Action Amid Rising Pollution Concerns

Andheri West, Mumbai: In Andheri West, residents expressed frustration after a builder disregarded critical dust-mitigation rules set by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). “Builders are taking rules very lightly as fines are extremely low. We need steep penalties to deter such actions,” said Karan Jotwani, a local resident.

The BMC’s 28-point guidelines for controlling dust during construction were blatantly ignored at a site managed by Veena Developers. Despite receiving a stop-work notice under Section 354A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, the builder proceeded with demolition. Civic authorities observed that tin sheets, tarpaulin coverings, and water sprinkling measures were absent. Additionally, grinding, cutting, and drilling activities occurred without proper enclosures.

Assistant Municipal Commissioner Chakrapani Alle revealed, “We issued a stop-work notice before the demolition began. Yet, the builder went ahead. Upon learning of this, our team immediately halted the work and informed MHADA for further action.”

To mitigate construction dust, BMC mandates include 25-foot tin barriers around sites, tarpaulin covers, water spraying systems, controlled demolition methods, and regular site clean-ups. The civic body recently extended these Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) measures to other construction sites in Byculla and Borivli East, citing rising AQI levels in Mumbai and its suburbs.

Chairman Haresh Sanghvi of Veena Developers was unavailable for comment. Residents hope stricter enforcement and higher penalties will curb such disregard for safety and environmental guidelines.