Suspend construction and demolition work one day a week to improve Mumbai’s air quality

Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar has urged BMC to suspend construction and demolition activities across the city for one day every week as part of a broader strategy to improve the air quality.

In a letter to the municipal commissioner, Shelar called for additional measures, including stronger dust-control mechanisms, stricter action against visibly polluting vehicles, a shift towards cleaner industrial fuels and greater public participation in the anti-pollution campaign.

Shelar also proposed that BMC frame a Mumbai-specific Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with predetermined measures that would automatically come into effect as air quality deteriorates. He said the plan should be in line with the advice sought by Bombay High Court from the high-powered committee.

Shelar proposed setting up a helpline and a dedicated social media handle through which complaints about activities such as garbage burning, fires at dumping grounds and debris dumping could be reported by citizens.