In a move to balance urban development with environmental sustainability, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) hosted a key workshop titled “Development with Sustainability” on January 3, 2025, at the Lata Mangeshkar Theatre.

The event, chaired by Commissioner and Administrator Sanjay Sripatrao Katkar, aimed to address the pressing environmental challenges arising from the city's rapid development and introduce strict regulations to combat pollution.

During the workshop, the MBMC unveiled a set of stringent new guidelines designed to mitigate the environmental impact of ongoing construction and development activities.

Key among these is the mandatory installation of protective nets and 25-foot-high sheets at construction sites to prevent dust and debris from spreading. In addition, barricading using colour-coded barriers and coverings to prevent soil and sand from flying off trucks transporting materials has been made compulsory.

The municipal corporation also issued a warning that failure to comply with these regulations, especially by RMC plants, will result in significant punitive measures.

The announcement of these regulations comes as part of the larger “Breathe Easy” campaign, a citywide initiative aimed at improving air quality and reducing pollution levels.

Commissioner Katkar highlighted that ongoing development works, including the transportation of unprotected construction materials such as soil, sand, and cement, often contribute to road congestion, accidents, and the release of harmful dust into the air. This dust has been identified as a significant cause of respiratory problems among residents.

Addressing these issues, the MBMC has also taken steps to improve waste management in the city. Commissioner Katkar shared the successful implementation of the “Deep Clean Drive,” which has helped remove 80% of the city’s e-waste. He also emphasised the need for sustainable solutions in construction waste management, including the C&D Waste project, which recycles construction debris into bricks and other useful products to reduce landfill use and pollution.

In an effort to address the growing waste problem, the municipal corporation has mandated large residential complexes to implement waste segregation and composting projects, further contributing to the city’s sustainability efforts. Looking ahead, the MBMC plans to organise the MBMC@2047 conclave, focusing on long-term sustainable development, and a CSR conclave dedicated to environmental concerns.

During the workshop, Additional Commissioner Aniket Manorkar and City Engineer Deepak Khambit provided an overview of the city’s current air quality and highlighted the often-overlooked issues that arise during development work.

They discussed how these issues impact the daily lives of citizens and outlined the measures the municipality plans to take to address them. Manorkar also elaborated on the goals of the "Breathe Easy" campaign, stressing its importance in achieving cleaner air for the city.

The workshop was attended by key municipal officials, including Additional Commissioner Dr Sambhaji Panpatte, Deputy Commissioners Kalpita Pimple, Sachin Bangar, and Prasad Shingte, along with Executive Engineers Nitin Mukne and Sharad Nanegaonkar.