Mumbai Mandates Air-Quality Monitors at All Construction Sites

Mumbai, MMR: To curb worsening air pollution, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has made it mandatory for all construction sites in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to install air-quality monitors within a month. Failure to comply will result in heavy penalties, including site closures.

In a letter dated February 7, MPCB Member Secretary Avinash Dhakne directed municipal corporations to ensure real-time monitoring of air pollution at construction sites. The data must be made available for inspection by the BMC and other authorities whenever required.

Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently worsened, with suburban areas recording levels above 200 in 2024. In January 2022, a Gulf dust storm pushed Mumbai’s AQI past 500, reaching hazardous levels. With rising respiratory illnesses linked to pollution, the Bombay High Court has also raised concerns over whether authorities are taking adequate action.

Under the new directive, the BMC will oversee implementation through a central command and control room. Developers failing to comply will face strict actions, including project suspension.

With construction dust being a major pollutant, this move is expected to help identify high-risk areas and enable timely corrective measures.