Mumbai: BMC plans 10 pollution hotspots per ward as Worli AQI hits 169

Worli recorded an AQI of 169 on October 2, while Mumbai’s citywide reading rose by 31 points in 24 hours to 110.

The BMC has prepared a 2026 air-pollution control and enforcement plan for the post-monsoon period, when construction activity resumes and drier conditions can worsen dust pollution. Each ward must identify at least 10 hotspots, including major construction and redevelopment sites, infrastructure works, debris-dumping locations, open waste-burning sites and traffic bottlenecks. A designated officer will monitor each site.

Construction and demolition sites will face checks under the civic body’s 28-point guidelines. Enforcement teams must inspect at least two sites each day. Violations can draw show-cause notices, stop-work orders or sealing. Demolition sites must use barricades, cover debris and use continuous misting to control dust. The measures build on the BMC’s earlier requirement for pollution undertakings in building approvals.

A deep-cleaning drive covering major roads, medians, junctions and road edges is scheduled for the first two weeks of October. The BMC will also track covered debris vehicles through its debris-control system and conduct PUC checks on busy routes. If a monitoring station records an AQI above 300 for three consecutive days, polluting activity within 2 km may be suspended.