Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar has urged BMC to suspend construction and demolition activities across the city for one day every week as part of a broader strategy to improve the air quality.In a letter to the municipal commissioner, Shelar called for additional measures, including stronger dust-control mechanisms, stricter action against visibly polluting vehicles, a shift towards cleaner industrial fuels and greater public participation in the anti-pollution campaign.Shelar also proposed that BMC frame a Mumbai-specific Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with predetermined measures that would automatically come into effect as air quality deteriorates. He said the plan should be in line with the advice sought by Bombay High Court from the high-powered committee.Shelar proposed setting up a helpline and a dedicated social media handle through which complaints about activities such as garbage burning, fires at dumping grounds and debris dumping could be reported by citizens.To tackle road dust, he suggested washing and misting roads using treated sewage and non-potable water, prioritising identified pollution hotspots and arterial corridors. He also recommended intensifying night-time mechanical sweeping and cleaning of high-traffic roads, along with the prompt repair of potholes and proper restoration of dug-up roads and trenches. The letter identified displaced road dust as a major source of particulate matter.The minister also recommended that BMC publish weekly reports detailing the action taken on such complaints. In addition, he proposed that heavy vehicles without valid pollution-under-control (PUC) certificates be barred from entering or operating within BMC limits.
About The Author
