Navi Mumbai:  In response to increasing complaints about noise and air pollution caused by ongoing construction and redevelopment projects, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at mitigating these environmental impacts. The SOP, along with a detailed circular, is now available on the NMMC website at www.nmmc.gov.in.

The move comes after a Suo Motu PIL (No. 3/2023) filed by the High Court Bombay, which highlighted the urgent need to address air pollution. The court's order, dated December 11, 2023, called for concrete measures to reduce pollution levels. In response, a committee of experts was formed under the chairmanship of Additional Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde and Mr. Shirish Aardwad to develop the SOP.

The SOP outlines strict guidelines for construction permit holders, developers, and contractors operating within the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation area. It focuses on measures to control air and noise pollution, particularly during excavation and blasting activities for multi-room basements. The guidelines were approved by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Kailas Shinde on July 26, 2024, and officially sanctioned on August 1, 2024.

To ensure compliance, a task force has been appointed to monitor ongoing construction projects. Local Divisional Officers are required to submit weekly reports on the status of these projects to the Director of Urban Planning, Mr. Somnath Kekan. Any violations of the SOP will result in legal action under the Maharashtra Urban Planning Act, 1966, and the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949, with prior permission from the Commissioner.

 “The NMMC is committed to preventing noise and air pollution, as well as minimizing the risk of accidents at construction sites. Citizens are encouraged to refer to the detailed circular available on the NMMC website for further information”, informed Dr. Shinde.