4 min readMumbaiUpdated: Jan 20, 2026 10:31 PM IST
The BMC said that purchase order for procurement of 27 body-worn (button) cameras for ward-level enforcement squads. (Credits: Unsplash/ Representational)
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday informed the Bombay High Court that sensor-based air quality monitors have not yet been installed at 662 of 1954 (nearly 33 per cent) ongoing construction sites.
The civic body said that after time prescribed as per rules, stop-work issues are being issued to such non-compliant constructions for “failure to adhere to the past directions and guidelines.”
The data recorded in these sensors are being displayed on a screen outside the site and the same is also broadcast to BMC to be recorded in a dashboard.
Citing series of measures initiated to curb pollution, the BMC also claimed that compared to “most adverse winter pollution episode” in 2023, Air Quality Index (AQI) improved for 2024 and 2025, “indicating sustained and progressive gains in seasonal air quality”.
It further claimed that AQI between December 29, 2025 and January 15, this year was well within “moderate” range of 101- 140.
The civic body through its Chief Engineer, (Environment and Climate Change) Avinash Kale filed an affidavit giving a status report demonstrating tangible and measurable results evidencing reduction in pollution levels in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Suman Shyam has been hearing suo motu PIL and other petitions raising concerns over poor air quality in Mumbai and surrounding areas. On December 24, last year, the bench had warned action against top BMC officials in case lapses in action against rising air pollution levels and ineffective implementation of norms continue.
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On Tuesday, as senior advocate S U Kamdar for BMC said the affidavit recorded actions since the last court order, CJ Chandrashekhar orally remarked, “Actions we cannot examine. You tell us what is the quality of air today?” To this, Kamdar responded: “Moderate, 120-140 AQI”.
“We are not on moderate,” CJ Chandrashekhar replied.
After senior advocate Darius Khambata, appointed as amicus curiae in the matter, sought to file a note in response to the BMC’s affidavit, the HC posted further hearing to January 23.
The BMC’s affidavit further stated that during site visits by officials concerned from December 29, 2025 till January 13, nearly 409 show-cause notices and 284 stop-work notices were issued to constructions sites which were found non-compliant with 28-point guidelines for air pollution mitigation and past HC directives.
Later, seven show -cause notices and 22 stop-work notices were revoked. Such notices are issued for inadequate measures including non-covering of construction material, no metal sheets around periphery, non-installation of fogging machines, no air quality monitors and tyre washing facilities among others.
Of these constructions, the BMC stated that show-cause notice was earlier issued to Bullet Train project site in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and after mitigation measures were followed at the site, the same was revoked.
Moreover it said that demolition activities at Government Colony, Bandra (East), which is a site of proposed new High Court complex, were stopped as on January 19 due to non-compliance with the directives.
The court was also told that stop-work notice issued for construction work at Majestic Amdar Niwas (also called as MLA hostel) in Colaba last month continue to remain in force due to lack of compliance with mitigation measures.
The construction site for twin tunnel on Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) undertaken by BMC was also sent warning letter on December 31 followed by show-cause notice on January 8.
Moreover, the BMC said that purchase order for procurement of 27 body-worn (button) cameras for ward-level enforcement squads is issued “to enable random and effective inspections of multiple construction sites”.
Omkar Gokhale is a journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Mumbai. His work demonstrates exceptionally strong Expertise and Authority in legal and judicial reporting, making him a highly Trustworthy source for developments concerning the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court in relation to Maharashtra and its key institutions.
Expertise & Authority
Affiliation: Reports for The Indian Express, a national newspaper known for its rigorous journalistic standards, lending significant Trustworthiness to his legal coverage.
Core Authority & Specialization: Omkar Gokhale's work is almost exclusively dedicated to the complex field of legal affairs and jurisprudence, specializing in:
Bombay High Court Coverage: He provides detailed, real-time reports on the orders, observations, and decisions of the Bombay High Court's principal and regional benches. Key subjects include:
Fundamental Rights & Environment: Cases on air pollution, the right to life of residents affected by dumping sites, and judicial intervention on critical infrastructure (e.g., Ghodbunder Road potholes).
Civil & Criminal Law: Reporting on significant bail orders (e.g., Elgaar Parishad case), compensation for rail-related deaths, and disputes involving high-profile individuals (e.g., Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty).
Constitutional and Supreme Court Matters: Reports and analysis on key legal principles and Supreme Court warnings concerning Maharashtra, such as those related to local body elections, reservations, and the creamy layer verdict.
Governance and Institution Oversight: Covers court rulings impacting public bodies like the BMC (regularisation of illegal structures) and the State Election Commission (postponement of polls), showcasing a focus on judicial accountability.
Legal Interpretation: Reports on public speeches and observations by prominent judicial figures (e.g., former Chief Justice B. R. Gavai) on topics like free speech, gender equality, and institutional challenges.
Omkar Gokhale's consistent, focused reporting on the judiciary establishes him as a definitive and authoritative voice for legal developments originating from Mumbai and impacting the entire state of Maharashtra. ... Read More
