HC sets up committee to inspect construction sites

Five-member independent panel to conduct checks; action taken report sought from the BMC and MPCB

- Urvi Mahajani

Observing that construction-related air pollution can be curbed if mitigation guidelines are implemented, the Bombay High Court on Friday constituted an independent five-member committee to conduct site visits and sought an action-taken report from the BMC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), detailing the steps taken over the last year.

“..This can be done immediately in one to two weeks. That would be some effective measures,” the bench noted.

The bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad formed the committee; it comprises officials from the BMC, MPCB, the public health department, and two advocates. The authorities have been directed to provide logistics, security and ensure committee members are allowed entry to construction sites for short inspections.