Efforts to Improve Mumbai’s Air Quality by February – Environment Minister Pankaja Munde

Mumbai : The current air quality in Mumbai needs to be better than its present levels, stated Environment, Climate Change, and Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde. While the air quality this year is better compared to last year, focused efforts should be made to improve it to an optimal level by February, she emphasized during a meeting held at the Ministry to discuss measures to curb air pollution in Mumbai.

Highlighting the increased levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) in Mumbai’s air, Minister Munde stated that mandatory use of sprinklers at construction sites is essential to reduce dust particles. Strict action must be taken against violators of construction norms. With several development projects ongoing in the city, compliance with pollution control measures at these sites should be monitored. She also suggested the development of a mobile application to enable citizens to report pollution-related complaints, which would prompt swift action by the concerned departments.

Minister Munde also pointed out that tandoor ovens in bakeries and restaurants contribute significantly to pollution. A policy should be drafted to transition these ovens to electric or PNG (piped natural gas), and subsidies could be introduced to facilitate this shift. Additionally, she called for the preparation of a monthly pollution control schedule.

Addressing Broader Pollution Issues in Mumbai and Maharashtra

Minister Munde stressed the importance of addressing various pollution problems across Mumbai and Maharashtra. She urged the Environment Department to coordinate with agencies like the Municipal Corporation, MMRDA, and Health Department to hold meetings and implement strategies to control air pollution. She also directed the formulation of concrete policies to address other issues such as water pollution, solid waste management, biomedical waste disposal, and noise pollution.

The minister acknowledged that natural and climatic factors have also contributed to the current rise in air pollution levels. Environment Department officials noted that pollution levels are likely to decrease as temperatures rise.

The meeting was attended by Environment Department Secretary Vinita Singhal, Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Dr. Avinash Dhakne, and senior officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), MMRDA, Road Development Corporation, Transport Department, and Police Department.