THANE: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has stepped up inspections of construction sites to curb rising air pollution in the city. Its pollution control department inspected 80 construction sites, issued show-cause notices to 68 of them for flouting norms, and imposed fines totalling ₹3.5 lakh.
The action follows directions given at a meeting of the High Power Committee (HPC) set up by the Bombay High Court under Suo Motu PIL No. 3 of 2023.
In line with the PIL, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued guidelines under Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, to maintain air quality. Through a letter dated November 2, 2023, the MPCB directed strict implementation of 29 guidelines, and the TMC is enforcing these measures across its limits.
During the drive, officials from the TMC’s pollution control department visited construction sites to check whether builders were taking steps to stop dust and other pollutants from spreading into the air, and whether dust-control measures and rules were being followed.
Representatives of Metro and MMRDA also inspected the stretch from Kapurbawdi Junction to Gaimukh. The agencies working on the route have been told to strictly follow the guidelines for controlling air pollution.
Ward-wise action
The drive focused on the Naupada-Kopri, Uthalsar, Mumbra, Kalwa, Majiwada-Manpada and Vartak Nagar wards.
- Naupada-Kopri-Uthalsar: 58 sites inspected, 52 show-cause notices
- Mumbra: 3 sites inspected, 2 notices
- Kalwa: 7 sites inspected, 7 notices
- Majiwada-Manpada and Vartak Nagar: 12 sites inspected, 7 notices, and fines of ₹3.5 lakh for violations
Strict legal action will be taken against builders who violate the High Court’s directions or fail to follow MPCB guidelines, said TMC Chief Environment Officer Vidya Sawant. She added that the inspection and action drive will continue to improve the city’s air quality and protect citizens’ health.