BMC Reports Poor Compliance on Air Quality Monitors for ₹1,000 Crore Projects, Plans Stricter C&D Waste Rules

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reportedly acknowledged that compliance with its directive requiring high-value construction projects to install reference-grade air quality monitors remains significantly low. The civic body had earlier instructed developers working on projects valued above ₹1,000 crore to set up Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) systems within a week. However, officials have admitted that practical challenges and the limited enforcement timeline have hampered implementation, according to industry sources.

High-Grade Monitors Pose Cost and Space Challenges

According to officials, the reference-grade monitors that comply with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) technical specifications are highly accurate but come with substantial installation costs averaging approximately ₹20 lakh per unit. These systems also reportedly require considerable on-site space, making compliance particularly difficult for developers operating in congested construction zones across Mumbai.

The directive was initially applicable to projects exceeding ₹500 crore based on recommendations by an expert committee appointed by the Bombay High Court. However, it was subsequently revised to cover only those projects worth more than ₹1,000 crore. Despite this relaxation, uptake among developers has remained minimal, according to reports.

BMC Plans Tighter C&D Waste Management Rules

In a parallel effort to address construction-related pollution, the BMC is reportedly planning to issue new directives requiring developers to transport construction and demolition (C&D) waste to municipal processing plants. The city currently operates two such facilities—one in Dahisar and another in Shilphata—both reportedly operating at just 50% capacity.

The Dahisar recycling plant in Mumbai has been instrumental in turning construction debris into useful materials. The civic body is now considering mandating developers to send at least 30% of their site waste to these plants, which could help with capacity utilisation and pollution control simultaneously. Officials believe this move would significantly reduce particulate emissions caused by illegal dumping or open-air handling of construction debris.

Dharavi Redevelopment Project Faces Pollution-Related Action

In a separate development, BMC's G-North ward has reportedly approached the Deputy Collector and Competent Authority overseeing the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, requesting cancellation of permissions for the project developer. The ward office has alleged that pollution mitigation measures were repeatedly ignored at the site despite prior warnings, prompting a formal request for regulatory action.

The Dharavi project, which is expected to transform one of Asia's largest informal settlements, has been under scrutiny for environmental compliance. Adani Group championing the Dharavi Redevelopment has emphasised its commitment to creating sustainable housing solutions for millions of residents.

Balancing Development and Environmental Compliance

As Mumbai grapples with worsening air quality levels, the BMC is reportedly tightening oversight on large-scale construction activity across the city. While enforcement of air quality monitoring norms has proven challenging due to high costs and space constraints, the civic body is exploring alternative strategies such as stricter C&D waste disposal protocols to mitigate the environmental impact of urban development.

The push for green building certifications in Maharashtra and focus on air quality-focused homes in India reflects the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability in real estate. Similar pollution control measures have been implemented in other metros, with Delhi government fining construction projects for dust pollution breaches.

Industry experts suggest that the real estate sector's role in India's net-zero ambition will require developers to adopt more sustainable practices. The green building certifications guide for Indian developers provides comprehensive insights into achieving environmental compliance while maintaining project viability.

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