In a major move to tackle air pollution caused by construction activities, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced stringent guidelines aimed at curbing dust pollution and improving air quality across the region. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the guidance of MMRDA Chairman & Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the initiative represents a crucial step toward sustainable urban development while addressing environmental concerns.

The newly issued guidelines outline a comprehensive approach to control dust emissions, monitor construction activities, regulate debris management, and enforce strict vehicle transport protocols at MMRDA project sites. The guidelines are set to enhance Mumbai's air quality and ensure that development projects are in harmony with environmental sustainability.

Further, to enforce compliance, MMRDA has introduced a robust penalty system. Contractors failing to adhere to the guidelines will face fines starting at ₹5 lakh for the first instance, escalating to ₹20 lakh and work suspension for repeated violations.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the importance of balancing development with environmental priorities, stating, “MMR’s development must align with our environmental goals. These measures reaffirm our government’s commitment to building a sustainable and healthy urban ecosystem for future generations”.

Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde further highlighted the urgency of the initiative, saying, “Improving MMR’s air quality is a priority for all of us. These stringent measures will help control pollution caused by construction activities while ensuring that developmental projects do not compromise our environment. We are dedicated to building a cleaner, more sustainable MMR”.

Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, added, "Ensuring clean air is a shared responsibility. These guidelines represent MMRDA’s proactive approach to balancing rapid infrastructure development with environmental stewardship. We urge all stakeholders to comply and contribute to a cleaner Mumbai."

The new guidelines are effective immediately and apply to all ongoing and future MMRDA projects. Executive Engineers have been tasked with overseeing the implementation, maintaining records, and reporting progress weekly.

MMRDA remains committed to its mission of transforming the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a global benchmark for sustainable urban development.

Key Measures Announced:

1. Control of Dust:
   • Deployment of water sprinklers and fogging machines across all construction sites.
   • Regular water sprinkling during earth-moving operations and on stacked materials.
   • Use of mechanical power sweeping machines for roads around project areas.
2. Monitoring and Management:
   • Frequent inspections to ensure compliance with guidelines.
   • Comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanisms to assess progress.
3. Debris Management:
   • Elimination of unauthorized dumping and optimized movement of construction and demolition (C&D) waste to minimize dust.
4. Regulation of Vehicles:
   • Strict adherence to guidelines for vehicles transporting construction materials, including proper coverings and permissions.
5. Prohibition of Waste Burning:
   • A complete ban on burning waste at project premises.