03 November,2026 07:50 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
The civic body`s Pollution Control Department officials visited construction sites as part of the drive. Representational Pic/File
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has intensified its inspections of construction sites to curb rising air pollution and maintain air quality in the city, officials said on Tuesday.
During the drive, the civic body's Pollution Control Department inspected 80 construction sites, issued show-cause notices to 68 for alleged non-compliance and imposed fines totalling Rs 3.5 lakh.
The action was taken in accordance with directions issued by the High Power Committee (HPC), constituted by the Bombay High Court under Suo Motu PIL of 2023, they said.
The civic body's Pollution Control Department officials visited construction sites across Thane to check whether adequate measures had been put in place to prevent dust and other pollutants generated during construction from spreading into the air.
The inspections covered dust-control arrangements, compliance with prescribed guidelines and other measures adopted by construction sites to prevent air pollution.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had issued 29 guidelines through a letter dated November 2, 2023, directing their strict implementation under Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
The TMC said it was implementing the required measures in its jurisdiction in line with these directions.
The inspection drive covered six municipal ward areas, with particular attention given to Naupada-Kopri, Uthalsar, Mumbra, Kalwa, Majiwada-Manpada and Vartak Nagar.
The ward-wise inspection figures released by the civic body are:
- Naupada-Kopri and Uthalsar: 58 construction sites inspected; 52 show-cause notices issued.
- Mumbra: Three sites inspected; two notices issued.
- Kalwa: Seven sites inspected; seven notices issued.
- Majiwada-Manpada and Vartak Nagar: 12 sites inspected; seven notices issued.
The civic body said fines amounting to Rs 3.5 lakh were imposed in Majiwada-Manpada and Vartak Nagar for violations of the prescribed rules.
The inspection drive also covered the stretch between Kapurbawdi Junction and Gaimukh, with representatives of Metro and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) involved in the exercise.
The concerned agencies were instructed to strictly follow the prescribed guidelines to control air pollution along the route.
The TMC has warned that construction developers found violating Bombay High Court directions or failing to comply with MPCB guidelines will face strict legal action as per the rules.
Chief Environment Officer Vidya Sawant said the civic body would continue inspections and enforcement measures to improve air quality and protect residents' health.
