Builders seek deadline extension for pollution control measures

02 Nov 2023 CW Team

Representatives from a developers' organisation, accompanied by local MLA Mihir Kotecha, met with the T ward officer and other civic officials to request an extension. The BMC had issued pollution control guidelines on October 25, allowing a 30-day period for compliance.

During the meeting between real estate stakeholders and T ward officials, the developers expressed their sincere intention to follow the BMC guidelines and their concern for the issue as responsible citizens. They highlighted challenges in procuring anti-smog guns and AQI monitors due to the anticipated high demand. Hitesh Thakkar, vice-president of the National Real Estate Development Council, stated, "Developers have requested an extension of the deadline due to the potential surge in demand for anti-smog guns and AQI monitors."

Thakkar also mentioned that many construction sites already have metal sheets measuring 10-15 ft tall. To meet the requirement of 35 ft-high sheets, developers need more time to procure and install taller metal sheets. In the interim, they proposed using green mesh or jute coverings above the existing 15 ft metal sheets. The developers assured BMC officials that they were implementing other measures, such as washing transport vehicles, installing sprinklers, and isolating work areas like marble cutting.

The developers appealed to the authorities to be lenient and consider their request, citing the challenges they faced. T ward had recently issued a stop-work notice to Prestige Mulund Realty and Neelam R, but the builders are hopeful for a favourable response regarding the deadline extension.

BMC had issued pollution control guidelines on October 25

Builders approached the BMC seeking an extension to comply with the mandatory pollution control measures at project sites. These measures include installing 35 ft-high metal sheets, sprinklers, anti-smog guns, and air quality index (AQI) monitors to curb pollution. Representatives from a developers' organisation, accompanied by local MLA Mihir Kotecha, met with the T ward officer and other civic officials to request an extension. The BMC had issued pollution control guidelines on October 25, allowing a 30-day period for compliance. During the meeting between real estate stakeholders and T ward officials, the developers expressed their sincere intention to follow the BMC guidelines and their concern for the issue as responsible citizens. They highlighted challenges in procuring anti-smog guns and AQI monitors due to the anticipated high demand. Hitesh Thakkar, vice-president of the National Real Estate Development Council, stated, Developers have requested an extension of the deadline due to the potential surge in demand for anti-smog guns and AQI monitors. Thakkar also mentioned that many construction sites already have metal sheets measuring 10-15 ft tall. To meet the requirement of 35 ft-high sheets, developers need more time to procure and install taller metal sheets. In the interim, they proposed using green mesh or jute coverings above the existing 15 ft metal sheets. The developers assured BMC officials that they were implementing other measures, such as washing transport vehicles, installing sprinklers, and isolating work areas like marble cutting. The developers appealed to the authorities to be lenient and consider their request, citing the challenges they faced. T ward had recently issued a stop-work notice to Prestige Mulund Realty and Neelam R, but the builders are hopeful for a favourable response regarding the deadline extension.