‘Watering roads not enough’: Dust from Santacruz construction worries commuters

Hans Bhugra Marg in Santacruz East, where construction work is causing dust pollution. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE

Commuters have raised concerns about dust from construction work at two spots at the western end of Hans Bhugra Marg in Santacruz East, stating that efforts by the civic authorities, such as watering the road, have yielded no change.

This newspaper contacted the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the H East ward of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to learn what dust control measures were being taken at the spot, but did not receive a reply till the time of going to press.

What work is taking place?

>> The connector linking Bharat Nagar and the SCLR is being built
>> Concreting work between University Gate 1 and Bharat Nagar Road
>> Trucks have been seen approaching and exiting the area near Gate 2
>> Mud has been laid on the divider of Hans Bhugra Marg, beneath the SCLR
>> Pavement blocks occupy the footpath of the stretch

Citizens speak

Rahul Singh, who runs a roadside nursery
Authorities water the road, but that doesn't change much. The water evaporates quickly, making the dust rise again. Every two days, I have to clean my plant pots because of the sheer amount of dust being kicked up. Wearing masks is suffocating, and not wearing them causes us to inhale dust

Chote Lal Yadav, taxi driver
Because my taxi is not air-conditioned, I have to keep the window open. However, dust enters our vehicles, and we breathe it in. If I keep the windows closed, the car is an oven on wheels. Every time I get passengers who want to go to South Mumbai, I am glad because it lets me get away from the dust on this road

1 km
Approximate length of Hans Bhugra Marg