Civic body took action in Girgaon as untreated fumes pose threat to life, exacerbate poor air quality
Gold and silver smelting furnaces are dismantled by the civic body at Girgoan
As part of its crackdown on air pollution, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed four furnaces of goldsmiths at Girgaon. In light of the city’s deteriorating air quality, the civic body has issued guidelines, is carrying out inspections and penalising defaulters.
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“Considering the wider interest of the masses, the municipal administration has also directed that strict action be taken against factors that cause air pollution, said a BMC official. “Pursuant to these directives, the department of buildings and factories in the C ward has launched a crackdown on gold and silver smelting furnaces.
Four chimneys (furnaces) of gold and silver smelters, also known as galai traders, at Dhanji Marg and Miza Marg in C ward were evicted on Monday. Such action will continue,” the official added.
There are many small-scale factories in Girgaon. Furnaces used to melt gold and silver produce gas that is released into the atmosphere via chimneys. However, if these fumes are not treated scientifically, they pose a threat to health.