MUMBAI: The BMC has imposed stringent conditions, including suspension of the licence of the architect/licensed surveyor, revocation of development permission for failure to implement air pollution mitigation measures, and a penalty of 100% of the applicable premium rates for unauthorised work carried out even after the issuance of a stop-work notice. The stringent conditions regarding air pollution mitigation guidelines have been imposed following directions of the High Powered Committee (HPC).“When it was found that the air quality was not improving during certain periods, despite action being pursued against construction sites and stop-work notices being issued, the inference was that the construction sites were not adhering to the directions of the civic body. Some of the developers may be taking a chance and continuing their activities, assuming that they will get away with it. Therefore, the HPC had directed the BMC to curb negligence by project proponents towards air pollution mitigation measures. Accordingly, these conditions have been imposed,” said a civic official.The civic body has also made the issuance of notices to construction sites a part of AutoDCR, an online platform of the BMC for building permission approvals.Hitesh Thakkar, vice-president of NAREDCO, said, “Clean air is a basic human right, not a privilege. Accountability for developers is essential to ensure effective air-pollution mitigation, while enforcement must remain fair and transparent. Development and environmental protection must go hand in hand for a healthier, cleaner Mumbai.”The HPC was constituted following a High Court order in January 2026, to monitor and supervise compliance with directions issued for the prevention and control of air pollution in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.As per the new conditions for approving IOD/amended plans and their implementation while granting IOD/amended plans, an undertaking has to be submitted by the architect/licensed surveyor and developer stating that they will be held responsible for non-compliance with any stop-work notice issued due to failure to implement air pollution mitigation measures. They will also be liable for action, including suspension of their licence and revocation of development permission.The circular further states that any unauthorised work carried out after the issuance of a stop-work notice will be liable for a penalty of 100% of the applicable premium rates, irrespective of any concession in the regulations under which the development is proposed.
