18 September,2026 06:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide issued the directions during a monthly review meeting held at the BMC headquarters on Friday. Pic/BMC
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has directed civic officials to take timely and effective measures to control air pollution in Mumbai, similar to the planning and preparedness shown during the Ganeshotsav 2026, an official statement said on Friday.
Bhide directed officials to strictly implement the BMC's 28-point guidelines for controlling air pollution.
She issued the directions during a monthly review meeting held at the BMC headquarters on Friday, where the functioning of various departments, projects and civic initiatives was reviewed.
Bhide said the Mumbai's air quality index (AQI) was currently under control but stressed the need for advance measures to prevent deterioration in air quality in the coming months.
Bhide directed officials to strictly implement the BMC's 28-point guidelines for controlling air pollution.
A special campaign will be conducted from October 1 to 15, during which measures including road washing and covering major construction sites will be undertaken.
She also directed officials to appoint nodal officers to monitor major projects that could contribute to a rise in the AQI.
Bhide said the BMC's 'Pedestrian First' campaign was producing visible results and directed officials to maintain consistency in its implementation.
The civic body has identified around 200 footpaths covering approximately 307 km for the initiative. Officials have been removing obstructions to make the footpaths safer and easier for pedestrians to use.
Bhide directed ward-level officials to continue the work so that the campaign becomes broader and more effective.
Bhide also stressed the need for timely and proper resolution of complaints received from citizens.
The BMC's Management and Redressal of Grievance (Marg) system has received 87,004 complaints so far, of which around 64 per cent have been successfully resolved.
She directed officials to ensure that complaints are resolved at the appropriate administrative level instead of being unnecessarily escalated.
The civic chief also directed officials to address identified traffic bottlenecks across Mumbai.
Around 139 locations have been identified where obstructions are contributing to traffic congestion. Bhide asked officials to study the issues at these locations and remove structures obstructing traffic through due process.
Bhide directed Deputy Municipal Commissioners of the respective zones to closely monitor projects being implemented by central departments, including roads, bridges, sewerage and storm-water drainage.
She said close monitoring would help ensure that projects are completed properly and within the stipulated deadlines.
Departments were also directed to submit lists of project-affected persons (PAPs) within the prescribed timeframes so that rehabilitation-related issues do not delay projects.
