BMC proposes mini smog towers around Shivaji Park to mitigate dust issue

However, this ground has a very fine grass cover and is filled entirely with loose soil. Over the past few weeks, locals have raised the issue of dust pollution in the entire neighborhood owing to the loose sandy soil that gets suspended in the air.

Written by Pratip Acharya

Mumbai | Updated: November 1, 2023 08:37 PM IST

2 min read

Located in Dadar, the 28-acre open ground is surrounded by residential pockets. (File Photo)

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In a bid to abate the issue of red dust in the air at Shivaji Park ground in Dadar, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated the proposal of setting up mini smog towers around the periphery of the park.

Located in Dadar, the 28-acre open ground is surrounded by residential pockets. However, this ground has a very fine grass cover and is filled entirely with loose soil. Over the past few weeks, locals have raised the issue of dust pollution in the entire neighborhood owing to the loose sandy soil that gets suspended in the air.

Following this, on Tuesday, BMC officials accompanied by local MP Rahul Shewale took a survey of the entire periphery of Shivaji Park, following which officials favoured the idea of setting up smog towers around the periphery of the park. Shewale also met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who stays close to Shivaji Park.

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Civic officials also said that an expert committee comprising IIT professors will also be incorporated to give inputs related to mitigating this issue. “We have appointed a committee of IIT professors who will submit a report to us in the next month that focuses on solutions that could be implemented to curb dust pollution in the area,” said a civic official.

“As per our long-term solution, we are also considering setting up smog towers around the periphery of the garden. However, this call will be taken after the committee submits its report,” the official said.

Civic officials also maintained that recycled water from Mahim Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) will also be diverted to be sprinkled on the ground, once the STP becomes operational.

Last week, the civic body, in a statement, had said that efforts are being made to increase greenery in the area.

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Officials also maintained that they are making use of the 35 ring wells which have a capacity to spray around 2,90,000 litres of water on the ground everyday.

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BMC Shivaji Park smog