The issue of poor Air Quality Index (AQI) levels at Kherwadi in Bandra East was raised in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, with the Maharashtra government announcing a target of 100 per cent pollution monitoring at all construction and development sites. The AQI levels in the area have been hovering around 320.
A truck carrying construction debris without a cover on the service road near Kherwadi Junction in Bandra East. File pic/SATEJ SHINDE
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said strict enforcement of norms is necessary to achieve tangible improvement in air quality. “Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technology must be deployed for effective implementation of pollution control measures, including complete monitoring of emissions at all construction sites, be it private or government work,” Fadnavis added.
100 per cent monitoring
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said construction sites are being monitored through systems linked to the BMC dashboard, adding that although most sites are covered, the government aims to achieve 100 per cent monitoring soon. The CM also insisted on using technology-driven AI systems for effective monitoring and implementation of rules.
‘No intention to halt development’
Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap stated that poor air quality and violation of norms are common scenes across Mumbai. “We do not want to stall development, but this should not come at the cost of citizens’ health,” he said, demanding a special drive to curb pollution.
Kherwadi AQI at 320
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab said pollution levels at Kherwadi continue to remain dangerously high, alleging widespread violation of mandatory pollution control norms. He added that offenders show little fear of enforcement and called for stern action against erring individuals.
‘Numbers misleading’
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Pankaja Munde urged citizens not to rely on unverified information about air pollution levels, saying that misleading AQI data was being circulated with the intention to stall development. She asked people to refer only to official government websites and authorised platforms. “Mumbai is undergoing large-scale construction activity… the air quality situation is better than last year.”
