Prestige Group faces construction halt over air pollution violations, BMC issues stop work notice

The Prestige Group has been served a stop work notice by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for violating new air pollution guidelines issued on October 25, 2023, according to media reports. These guidelines outline measures that construction sites must implement to reduce their impact on air quality. The BMC specifically required construction sites with buildings over 70 meters in height to erect at least 35-foot-high tin or metal sheets around their periphery.

The stop work notice was issued on October 27 by the assistant commissioner of the T ward office, which oversees the Mulund area. The notice was prompted by a flying squad inspection at the Prestige City project site in Mulund, which includes buildings called Siesta, Bellanza, and COC. The inspection found that the site was in violation of 13 of the new guidelines, including the absence of protective measures like tin or metal sheets, green cloth enclosures, CCTV cameras, air pollution monitors, and more.

Respiratory health concerns

Residents in the area have reported respiratory issues like bronchitis and coughing due to poor air quality caused by construction activities. They mentioned that the builder had previously been sprinkling water on the site to mitigate dust pollution but discontinued this practice after a change in site management.

The BMC's notice stipulates that the builder must procure and install adequate sprinklers and smog guns within 15-30 days from the issuance of the guidelines, i.e., from October 25. Failure to comply could lead to the sealing of the construction site by the BMC.

Noise pollution from around-the-clock construction work has also been a concern for residents. While they support development, they stress the importance of adhering to air pollution regulations to protect people's health.

In response to the notice, the Prestige Group, based in Bengaluru, stated that they intend to deliver homes on time while also being responsible towards the environment and the community. They have already taken steps to comply with the new guidelines, including installing anti-smog guns and implementing safety measures like dust screens, periphery fencing, and more. They acknowledged that full compliance with all BMC guidelines may take time but assured their plan to meet these requirements.