Alarmed by alleged discrepancies in air quality index (AQI) monitors at construction sites in Mumbai, the Awaaz Foundation has written to the BMC commissioner and the Maharashtra chief minister, seeking urgent checks. The foundation monitored displays at six to seven construction sites across Bandra and Khar 230 times over 38 days, comparing their readings with those from nearby monitoring stations.

Zero pollution?

The first phase of monitoring took place between March and May, and the second between September and October. From March 23 to May 5, the foundation recorded readings displayed on boards outside construction sites and compared them with those from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) monitoring stations in Kherwadi and BKC.