Mumbai | January 10, 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the operator of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have come under sharp criticism for allegedly failing to control air pollution around the Terminal 2 (T2) area, despite city-wide claims of intensified dust mitigation efforts.

In a formal complaint addressed to the Municipal Commissioner of Greater Mumbai and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), environmental watchdog Watchdog Foundation has alleged gross negligence in implementing air pollution control measures around the T2 terminal precinct.

According to the civic body, BMC reported washing over 1,500 kilometres of roads between November and December 2025, using millions of litres of water and removing tonnes of dust as part of its pollution control drive. However, Watchdog Foundation trustees Advocate Godfrey Pimenta and Nicholas Almeida have claimed that these measures are conspicuously absent near the airport terminal.

“As one steps out of T2 Terminal, there is visible dust accumulation and no evidence of regular deep-cleaning activities,” the complaint stated, supported by photographs of the affected areas.

The foundation alleged that routine pollution control practices such as daily road cleaning, deep washing using water tankers, misting machines to suppress particulate matter, and deployment of dust suction vehicles are not being carried out around the terminal.

The complaint further accused both BMC and the Adani Group which operates Mumbai Airport of failing to deploy special dust-control vehicles and advanced equipment in a high-footfall, sensitive zone such as the airport.

Watchdog Foundation also pointed out that BMC has issued a 28-point air pollution control guideline for construction and infrastructure projects, which is enforceable through ward-level squads. Despite this, the complainants claim there is “total absence of enforcement” around the T2 Terminal area.

Calling the situation alarming, the foundation has demanded immediate corrective action to address air quality concerns and ensure strict implementation of pollution control norms.

The letter was jointly signed by trustees Advocate Godfrey Pimenta and Nicholas Almeida, with Advisors Advocate Vivian D’Souza and Rita D’Sa endorsing the complaint.

Neither the BMC nor the Mumbai Airport operator has issued a response to the allegations at the time of publishing.