22 January,2026 07:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The stop-work notices were issued to sites that failed to install mandatory air quality monitoring systems, officials said. Representational Pic/File
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued stop-work notices to 106 construction sites after finding that air quality sensors were missing at project spots, officials said on Thursday.
They said that the BMC officials have taken strict action against construction projects in its efforts to curb Mumbai air pollution.
"The stop-work notices were issued to sites that failed to install mandatory air quality monitoring systems," officials said.
According to an official statement, under the direction of BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, and Additional Commissioner (East Suburbs) Dr. Avinash Dhakne, the civic body has made it compulsory for all ongoing construction sites in Mumbai to operate air quality sensors. For large projects costing over Rs 1,000 crore, the BMC has also ordered the installation of a reference-grade air quality monitor.
Despite repeated reminders, several construction sites have not complied with the orders. As a result, the BMC issued stop-work notices to 106 construction projects by Thursday evening. These include private building projects as well as railway bridge works, SRA projects, and MHADA housing schemes.
The BMC's Environment and Climate Change Department has directed non-compliant projects to submit compliance reports immediately after receiving the notices. The civic body has been continuously following up on the matter since May 2025, and strict action is being taken where there is no response.
The BMC has also stated that further inspections are underway and additional stop-work notices will be issued to other projects found violating the rules.
A court hearing regarding the air pollution case is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026. The civic administration has ordered all departments to continue field inspections, record observations, and take immediate action as needed.
The crackdown is not limited to construction sites, the statement said, adding that the BMC's Public Health Department has been instructed to issue stop-work notices to bakeries and other units that violate emission, fuel use, and smoke standards.
The civic administration has reiterated that there will be no compromise in improving air quality in Mumbai. While the BMC supports rule-abiding projects, strict action will be taken against violators.
According to the BMC, air quality in most areas of Mumbai is currently in the "satisfactory" or "moderate" category, and continuous measures are being taken to improve it further.
Mumbai currently has 28 continuous air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS).
- 14 stations are operated by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
- 9 by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
- 5 by the BMC
These centres follow national protocols and standards, and the data is available on the CPCB website as well as the "Sameer" mobile app.
The BMC has urged citizens to use the app to check air quality in their areas and avoid burning waste outdoors to support the civic body's pollution control efforts.
