BMC Issues Stern Warning to Dharavi Redevelopment Project Over Serious Air Pollution Violations in Matunga

Undercover Editor News Agency | Editor – Mahesh Rathod

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a strong warning to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) after serious air-pollution violations were found at a construction site in Matunga. The site, managed by Nav Bharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd (NMDPL), was flagged during a surprise inspection by the BMC’s environmental squad.

According to officials, the contractor failed to follow even the most basic pollution-control norms — a requirement for all construction activities in Mumbai, especially large-scale redevelopment projects.

Key Violations Noted at the Site

The BMC’s inspection report highlighted multiple lapses, including:

• No green cloth or jute-sheet barricading around the site
• No dust- or smoke-extraction equipment
• No wheel-washing facility for construction vehicles
• No display board showing air quality index or safety compliance
• High dust levels affecting nearby residents

Local citizens had already raised several complaints, citing continuous dust pollution and severe air quality deterioration in the area.

BMC Warns of Strict Action

In its letter to DRP, the civic body has demanded immediate rectification of all violations. Officials warned that if the developer fails to comply:

• Work may be stopped
• Permissions granted to the contractor can be revoked
• Further legal action may be initiated

A follow-up inspection has been scheduled within a week to verify compliance.

Part of Citywide Crackdown on Pollution

This warning is part of BMC’s aggressive citywide crackdown on construction-related pollution. Over the past several months, multiple sites across Mumbai have been issued show-cause notices and stop-work orders for failing to adhere to air-quality and dust-control norms.

Environmental Compliance Crucial for Mega Projects

Given the massive scale of the Dharavi redevelopment, environmental compliance is non-negotiable, say experts. Matunga, being a densely populated area with narrow roads and constant traffic, faces heightened risks from particulate pollution.

Residents and environmental groups have repeatedly expressed concern that negligence during such large projects could worsen respiratory illnesses, especially among children and senior citizens.

As Mumbai moves through one of its largest urban redevelopment phases, the BMC’s latest action serves as a sharp reminder—development cannot come at the cost of public health.