Navi Mumbai: Facing flak from various quarters over rising pollution in the city post-monsoon, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has ordered strict enforcement of air-pollution control measures at construction sites ahead of winter, warning that violations could result in immediate stop-work notices, sealing of the project and heavy fines. Municipal commissioner Kailas Shinde issued the directions at a joint meeting of architects, builders, surveyors, contractors and officials. The measures follow directions from High Court and High-Level Committee.Shinde said deteriorating air quality posed a serious health risk, particularly to children, senior citizens and people with respiratory conditions. Construction professionals must recognise their social and environmental responsibilities and comply with pollution-control rules, he said.Use of drinking water for construction and dust control at sites has been prohibited by NMMC. Builders must use non-drinking or treated water. Shinde directed officials to stop work immediately and seal sites violating this requirement. However, activists said that NMMC is doing little towards curbing pollution in the city.According to Shinde, construction sites must install 30-foot-high barricades and green nets covering buildings from top to bottom. They must also provide tyre-washing facilities at exits to prevent vehicles spreading dust on roads and regularly spray water.Air-quality sensors and AQI display boards must be installed at every construction site for live monitoring and to inform residents about current air quality. “Commencement certificates will not be issued unless documentation showing compliance with all prescribed pollution-control measures is submitted through the BPMS system, along with an undertaking from the builder and architect,” said Shinde.Assistant director of urban planning Somnath Kekan said Oct 10 had been set as the compliance deadline. Joint inspections by the Town Planning Department and officers from departmental offices are being launched. Sites with violations or deficiencies face immediate work stoppage, sealing and heavy fines, said Kekan.Kekan said a special awareness campaign would soon be conducted with CREDAI and other builders’ associations to inform developers and architects about the requirements. NMMC appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate in protecting the city’s environment and residents’ health.
