Everyone must follow dust-mitigation guidelines

Civic chief I S Chahal. File pic

Civic chief I S Chahal recently issued pollution-mitigation guidelines to improve the city's lamentable air quality. However, no such measures have been implemented on the site where Metro-3 work is being carried out a stone's throw away from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters. Civic officials, meanwhile, claim that they have started issuing intimation notices to construction sites and will soon start making field visits to ensure the guidelines are implemented.

After the Prime Minister's Office and Chief Minister's Office expressed concern about the sudden rise in the city's pollution levels last month, Chahal on October 25 issued final dust-mitigation guidelines. They mention that the contractor and authorities concerned should erect iron sheets around construction sites and enclose them with green cloth, jute sheets and tarpaulin.

A Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation spokesperson said that barricades had been consciously removed for some road construction work. This shows the importance of monitoring public infra sites and seeing that all instructions are followed.

When people witness civic authorities and government infra arms following dust-mitigation guidelines to the letter, they are more apt to follow the rules themselves.
As a first measure, private players must be aware of all the guidelines as not all of them seem aware about what they need to do or what regulations have been put in place. Even noticeboards at certain places in the city or at sites will help both public and contractors to become aware of measures that need to be taken, as air quality now warrants serious action.

Leading by example means inspiring others, even the smallest players to follow suit. We are all in this together.