BMC seeks two IITs' expertise for dust sensors, HC gives 6 wks for installation
Mumbai: BMC on Tuesday told Bombay HC that it has appointed IIT-B and IIT-Kanpur to devise ways to centrally connect dust sensors at construction sites. Identifying these sites in Mumbai as major sources of pollution, HC had in Jan directed installation of dust sensors.
By way of "indulgence," Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice M S Karnik gave BMC time till June 12 to comply with the Jan order and verify if CCTV cameras can be affixed by developers at construction sites. HC warned that non-compliance may elicit orders to shut down sites, as contemplated in its earlier order.
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BMC said IIT-K's proposal of 75 low cost sensors, called Mumbai Air Network for Advanced Science (MANAS), has received administrative nod and will help identify hotspots for hyperlocal monitoring to improve air quality.
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HC, which is hearing a suo motu PIL from 2023 on rising air pollution in Mumbai, had in Jan directed Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) that sensors be installed at construction sites to measure particulate matter.
If PM2.5 readings exceed permissible limits, BMC should shut such sites, senior counsel Janak Dwarkadas said on behalf of the intervener, NGO Vanshakti. Dwarkadas said a straightforward direction of the court should not take so long to be implemented, but MPCB in its affidavit said it held a meeting in Feb where it referred the matter to BMC. "Once HC direction is there, what is there to hold meetings and discuss?" Dwarkadas asked. Senior counsel Milind Sathe for BMC said it doesn't consider the NGO as a technological expert.
In its affidavit, BMC said it wants the IITs' expertise in ensuring a centralised connection of the sensors. HC said the civic body could have sought modification of its order if it wanted to appoint experts, but said as indulgence, it would give time for compliance and "after that, we will deal with it".
Senior counsel Darius Khambata, as amicus curiae (friend of court) appointed by HC to assist in the matter, pointed out that MPCB, which conducted an audit of red category (most polluting) industries, is yet to submit its findings.
HC directed the pollution regulator to hear interveners, too, on the issue of polluting bhattis (local bakeries), and submit its audit findings by June 12. Former advocate general Ashutosh Kumbhakoni, representing MPCB, said he would. On Khambata pointing to pollution by bhattis in Chandivli and through garbage burning in Ulhasnagar, HC directed MPCB to verify and take action. BMC said it has already directed all bakeries to transition to cleaner fuels in six months; in the last four months, 34 have complied.
BMC said it is monitoring Metro, coastal road and bullet train work sites, and has placed sprinklers at exit points.
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