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Environment department fetches Rs 113 crore; focus on mitigating air pollution

Even as the total allocation of Rs 113 crore accounts for less than one per cent of the total capital expenditure, the overall allocation for the environment department witnessed a four-fold increase since 2023.

Mumbai’s skyline has changed — glass towers, cranes, highways, flyovers

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has allocated Rs 113 crore to its environment department to monitor and maintain the city’s air quality that has been significantly deteriorating over the past few years.

Even as the total allocation of Rs 113 crore accounts for less than one per cent of the total capital expenditure, the overall allocation for the environment department witnessed a four-fold increase since 2023. The BMC allocated Rs. 25 crore to the environment department in the 2024-25 fiscal.

While eyeing towards enforcing the ongoing mitigation measures, the BMC is aiming to boost its monitoring in the city by collaborating with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) to develop an advanced air monitering forecast system. In a first, this machinery will boost the civic body’s mitigation measures by providing an early warning of upto 72-hours by “quantifying contributions from local, regional and distant emission sources of PM (particulate matters).”

In what will further boost monitoring in the city, BMC municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said the civic body is also scrutinising the IIT-Kanpur proposal for “Mumbai Air Network for Advanced Science” that proposes to instal low-cost sensors to monitor local sources of pollution.

The environment department is also set to procure 100 battery-operated suction machines, which will suppress the dust particles that remain suspended in the atmosphere. Officials said that four machines will be distributed in each of the city’s 24 wards.

While environmental scientists welcomed the move, experts like Bhagwan Keshbat of Waatavaran Foundation said the BMC should also focus on ensuring proper implementation of its C&D (construction and demolition) dust mitigation plans.

“While initiatives like advanced air quality forecast systems, use of low-cost sensor monitoring networks and the plan of carrying out detailed emissions is certainly a step in the right direction, walkability and procurement of electric buses will also definitely boost sustainable transport practices in the city. Furthermore, construction sites should be encouraged to practice the given construction and demolition waste guidelines to reduce pollution from the construction industry and proper disposal of debris will eliminate the issue of solid construction waste,” said Keshbat.

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According to officials, the BMC has formed 95 squads at ward levels to ensure strict implementation of its 28-point guidelines for construction sites.

Nayonika Bose

Nayonika Bose is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express’ Mumbai bureau. While in the early stages of her career, her focused reporting on local governance and community welfare already demonstrates clear Expertise and Trustworthiness in covering essential civic issues impacting Mumbai's residents. Expertise & Authority (E-E-A-T) Specialized Focus: Nayonika's reporting is dedicated to civic and community issues, providing readers with highly relevant, ground-level information about the functionality and administration of India's largest metropolitan area. Core Coverage Areas: Her articles highlight a strong focus on the fundamental quality of life and public safety in Mumbai, including: Civic Infrastructure: Reports on critical failures and initiatives related to public works, such as the recurring problem of unauthorized building collapses in Navi Mumbai, the construction of new infrastructure projects (like the Dahisar-Bhayandar Link Road and the Mahalaxmi cable-stayed bridge), and the maintenance of essential city services (e.g., manhole cover theft). Urban Governance & Crisis Management: Provides detailed coverage of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) response to major crises, particularly during the monsoon (e.g., heavy rainfall, water cuts, and public health concerns like dengue and malaria) and large-scale public safety incidents (e.g., the hoarding collapse fallout). Community Welfare & Rights: Reports on key social issues, including the financial aid scheme for persons with disabilities, the struggles of Mumbai's hawkers protesting eviction drives, and the dangers faced by workers due to the continuation of manual scavenging in water tanks. Cultural & Heritage Reporting: Covers significant community stories, including the restoration of British-era fountains and the history of institutions like the 126-year-old Chinchpokli cemetery, showing a breadth of interest beyond pure administration. Tweets @nayonikakb ... Read More

Pratip Acharya

Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai. Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in: Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting. City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region. Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis: National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019. State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019. Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis. Experience Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies: Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014). Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express. Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More

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