Navi Mumbai: Acting on complaints from local residents, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has slapped a fine of over ₹92,000 on a builder in Kopar Khairane for causing air pollution at a construction site.
The civic body issued two notices on May 7 and May 9, flagging six violations under the standard operating procedure (SOP) mandated by the High Court. The builder was given seven days to submit proof of compliance with pollution control measures.
This is one of the highest fines imposed by NMMC on builders flouting norms. Previously, a developer in Vashi was fined ₹1.1 lakh. In total, NMMC collected over ₹1.72 crore in penalties last year for similar violations.
Activist Madhu Shankar from the forum Human Chain reported the violations after spotting dirty trucks entering and exiting a construction site in Sector 11, Kopar Khairane.
“The trucks were carrying mud onto the roads. Once the mud dries, it turns into dust, adding to air pollution,” she said.
Human Chain convenor B.N. Kumar also flagged the issue on X (formerly Twitter), tagging NMMC and alerting City Engineer Shirish Ardwad, who assured immediate action.
The activists welcomed the swift response but urged civic officials to maintain stricter vigilance.
“We appreciate NMMC’s prompt action,” Kumar said. “But we call on all citizens to stay alert and report issues of air and water pollution.”
He expressed concern that despite court orders and penalties, many construction sites continue to ignore safety norms. “The roads in Sector 9, Vashi, are covered in dust and cement. Site managers aren’t even washing dumpers as required,” Kumar noted.
He warned that air quality in Navi Mumbai had deteriorated sharply in the past, with AQI levels spiking to 400 last October—far above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 50.
“With summer heat intensifying and construction activity rushing to meet deadlines before the monsoon, pollution is likely to get worse,” Kumar cautioned.
“The builders, their workers, and their families all live here. They must understand that clean air and clean roads are everyone’s right,” he added.
