Mumbai BMC requires pollution undertakings for building approvals

Developers and architects seeking building approvals in Mumbai must now formally accept responsibility for air-pollution controls at construction sites.

Under a BMC circular issued on September 2, an undertaking from the developer and the project’s architect or licensed surveyor will be required for Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) approvals and amended building plans. The undertaking makes them liable if a stop-work notice is issued because prescribed pollution-mitigation measures were not implemented.

The civic body can suspend licences or revoke development permission under Regulation 12 of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations, 2034. Any unauthorised work carried out after a stop-work notice will draw a penalty equal to 100% of applicable premium rates, regardless of concessions available under the relevant development regulation.

The rules follow directions of the High Power Committee monitoring air-pollution control measures across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, as well as the Bombay High Court’s suo motu public-interest litigation on air pollution. BMC deputy chief engineers and building-proposal officials have been told to include and enforce the new conditions while processing approvals.