Navi Mumbai Municipality Targets Polluting Builders

In response to concerns regarding deteriorating air quality, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has commenced the issuance of violation notices to builders for non-compliance with dust mitigation measures at construction sites, including regular fogging. NMMC's additional city engineer, Shirish Aradwad, has stated that builders found in violation will be subject to a penalty of Rs 10 per square meter. He emphasized that NMMC teams will conduct inspections at construction sites, companies, and quarries to identify pollution sources, with particular attention given to six quarries. NMMC city engineer Sanjay Desai further revealed plans for joint actions with the regional transport office to address open dumpers and trucks transporting earth, as these have been identified as major contributors to pollution. It's worth noting that the NMMC had issued similar notices to some industrial units last year, although no further actions were taken. As of Saturday afternoon, the air quality index (AQI) in Nerul was categorised as 'poor,' with a PM10 level of 155, nearly five times the limit recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In Uran, the AQI reached 386, with a PM10 level of 419.