Maharashtra Proposes Weekly Construction Halt to Combat Air Pollution
In a bid to address worsening air quality, Maharashtra's Ashish Shelar suggests a weekly pause on construction activities in Mumbai.
Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar proposes a one-day halt to construction in Mumbai to reduce air pollution.
The air quality index in Mumbai has been concerning, with levels reaching around 170 recently.
Shelar emphasizes the need for a comprehensive Graded Response Action Plan to manage air quality effectively.
In response to alarming air quality levels in Mumbai, Ashish Shelar, the guardian minister for the suburban region, has proposed a weekly one-day suspension of all construction and demolition activities across the city. This initiative aims to mitigate the rising air pollution, particularly as winter approaches, which is expected to exacerbate the situation further.
Shelar's proposal comes amid growing public concern and representations regarding the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai. The Bombay High Court has also raised alarms about the city's air pollution levels. Recent data indicates that the air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai has hovered around 170, categorizing it as unhealthy. In light of these developments, Shelar has urged immediate action to address the issue.
In a letter to Mumbai's municipal commissioner, Ashwini Bhide, Shelar outlined several measures to combat air pollution. He suggested the implementation of a Mumbai-specific Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to ensure timely responses to air quality deterioration. Additional proposals include washing roads in pollution-prone areas, mechanized night-time cleaning, and urgent repairs of potholes. Furthermore, he called for the establishment of a dedicated helpline for reporting incidents of waste burning and illegal dumping.
The proposed measures extend beyond mere construction halts. Shelar has emphasized the need for stricter enforcement against polluting vehicles, advocating for coordinated efforts between the Mumbai Traffic Police and the Regional Transport Office (RTO). He highlighted the importance of increased checks on Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and restrictions on heavy vehicles lacking valid certifications from entering the city.
Looking ahead, Shelar has called for the expedited installation of sensor-based air-quality monitoring systems at construction sites and the conversion of bakeries using traditional fuels to cleaner alternatives. He proposed community meetings across all 26 BMC wards to engage citizens and local representatives in identifying pollution-related challenges and solutions. This comprehensive approach aims to garner support from various stakeholders, including industrial representatives, to enhance pollution control initiatives in Mumbai.
