Decision Makers:
Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, IAS (BMC Commissioner)
Shri. Minesh Sunanda Damodar Pimple (Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Environment and Climate Change Department)
Demands:
Enforcement of regulations regarding dust control, garbage burning and management.
Quicker response time to citizens’ complaints by the BMC
Proper implementation of The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) with special focus on reducing the percentage of Particulate Matter
Despite receiving the highest amount of air quality improvement grant in India - Rs 929 crore - Mumbai’s air is in crisis again, with thick smog blanketing the entire city. The city’s clean air ranking has also slipped from 10th to the 28th position, according to the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan report for clean air rankings.
Complaints about air pollution in the city have increased by 305% in the last five years, a recent report by the Praja Foundation noted. The time taken by the BMC to resolve these complaints is an average of 32 days, far exceeding the 6 day timeline. This delay aggravates the situation and increases the risk of public health issues – especially for vulnerable sections of society. Between 2019 and 2023, the city's overall air quality worsened by 22%.
Apart from vehicular emissions, large-scale construction projects have significantly contributed to particulate matter in the air, accounting for nearly 30-35%. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 can shorten life expectancy by over five years for all residents, studies have indicated.
The lack of dust control measures on construction sites, such as sprinkling water or covering loose soil, adds to Mumbai’s pollution woes. Sites often fail to install barriers or enforce dust pollution rules, allowing the Particulate Matter to spread beyond construction zones.
We cannot let our city suffocate any longer. We are urging the BMC and the Maharashtra State Government to consider the following:
All construction sites should implement dust control measures, including regular sprinkling of water, covering loose soil, and installing dust barriers.
Waste disposal mechanisms must be strictly enforced. The focus should be on minimising burning and encouraging recycling.
The BMC must ensure quicker response time to air pollution complaints, which currently takes over 30 days to address.
There needs to be better execution of the NCAP, especially focusing on reducing the percentage of particulate matters.
In 2024, we hope to make the fight bigger and we need your support to see concrete changes. Together, we can ensure authorities pay heed to our demands and prioritise our right to clean air.
Sources:
Air pollution complaints in Mumbai up by 305% in last 5 years: Study
Mumbai Weather Update: Smog Covers The City; Air Quality Levels Drop
Air pollution worsens in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Badlapur and Ulhasnagar
Impact of air pollution on respiratory health: A case study in Mumbai, India
Decision Makers:
Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, IAS (BMC Commissioner)
Shri. Minesh Sunanda Damodar Pimple (Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Environment and Climate Change Department)
Demands:
Enforcement of regulations regarding dust control, garbage burning and management.
Quicker response time to citizens’ complaints by the BMC
Proper implementation of The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) with special focus on reducing the percentage of Particulate Matter
Despite receiving the highest amount of air quality improvement grant in India - Rs 929 crore - Mumbai’s air is in crisis again, with thick smog blanketing the entire city. The city’s clean air ranking has also slipped from 10th to the 28th position, according to the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan report for clean air rankings.
Complaints about air pollution in the city have increased by 305% in the last five years, a recent report by the Praja Foundation noted. The time taken by the BMC to resolve these complaints is an average of 32 days, far exceeding the 6 day timeline. This delay aggravates the situation and increases the risk of public health issues – especially for vulnerable sections of society. Between 2019 and 2023, the city's overall air quality worsened by 22%.
Apart from vehicular emissions, large-scale construction projects have significantly contributed to particulate matter in the air, accounting for nearly 30-35%. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 can shorten life expectancy by over five years for all residents, studies have indicated.
The lack of dust control measures on construction sites, such as sprinkling water or covering loose soil, adds to Mumbai’s pollution woes. Sites often fail to install barriers or enforce dust pollution rules, allowing the Particulate Matter to spread beyond construction zones.
We cannot let our city suffocate any longer. We are urging the BMC and the Maharashtra State Government to consider the following:
All construction sites should implement dust control measures, including regular sprinkling of water, covering loose soil, and installing dust barriers.
Waste disposal mechanisms must be strictly enforced. The focus should be on minimising burning and encouraging recycling.
The BMC must ensure quicker response time to air pollution complaints, which currently takes over 30 days to address.
There needs to be better execution of the NCAP, especially focusing on reducing the percentage of particulate matters.
In 2024, we hope to make the fight bigger and we need your support to see concrete changes. Together, we can ensure authorities pay heed to our demands and prioritise our right to clean air.
Sources:
Air pollution complaints in Mumbai up by 305% in last 5 years: Study
Mumbai Weather Update: Smog Covers The City; Air Quality Levels Drop
Air pollution worsens in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Badlapur and Ulhasnagar
Impact of air pollution on respiratory health: A case study in Mumbai, India