CM Eknath Shinde said that he had detailed discussions with the environment ministry, civic chiefs, collectors from other parts of the state on ways to tackle rising pollution levels

CM Shinde on Thursday chaired a review meeting on prevailing pollution in Maharashtra amid rising concerns over the air quality in the state

The meeting was held at the chief minister's residence, Varsha Bungalow. Officials from different parts of Maharashtra joined the meeting virtually

"I have given instructions to concerned authorities to take up the task of curbing pollution on a war-footing. The BMC has been asked to use more manpower to clean roads using water and hire tankers for the purpose," the CM Shinde said

CM Shinde said that foggers (devices that create fog through intense spaying) must be used at construction sites, while the administration has been asked to focus on urban deforestation

Meanwhile, to control air pollution in Mumbai, the BMC has served notices to more than 100 contractors and real estate firms engaged in executing private and government projects, asking them to adhere to dust mitigation norms or face action

The Bombay High Court has also limited fireworks between 7 pm and 10 pm for Mumbai residents during the festival of lights