Thane Municipal Corporation Takes Action Against Builders Over Air Pollution Violations

Thane, January 2: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has issued show cause notices to 39 builders for failing to comply with air pollution control norms, an official announced on Thursday. If the builders fail to provide satisfactory responses, their work will be halted.

TMC had previously directed 297 builders to adhere to dust pollution control guidelines. While 31 builders complied fully, fines totaling Rs 4 lakh were imposed on 151 builders for minor violations. The official further revealed that the TMC's environment department, led by Additional Municipal Commissioner Sandeep Malvi, recently reviewed air pollution control measures, with representatives from the engineering department, metro rail, MSRDC, and police in attendance.

As part of efforts to curb air pollution, air quality measuring devices have been installed at 50 construction sites across Thane. Burning of garbage and plastic is prohibited, with Rs 20,000 fines imposed following nine complaints. The use of firewood in hotels has also been banned.

Furthermore, all builders have been directed to use green nets at construction sites to control dust, while fines totaling Rs 1.7 lakh have been levied on various entities following air pollution complaints.