Mumbai: BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide Directs Resumption Of Road-Washing Drive From October 1 To Combat Air And Dust Pollution

Mumbai's Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has ordered the resumption of a road-washing campaign, set to commence on October 1 for a period of 15 days, to address concerns of air and dust pollution in the city. This initiative forms part of a larger effort to safeguard Mumbai’s air quality, as declared by Bhide during a recent monthly review meeting with various civic departments held at BMC headquarters.

The campaign will involve rigorous street cleaning, installation of protective covers around major construction sites, and appointment of a nodal officer to monitor pollution-inducing activities. Despite the current Air Quality Index (AQI) being under control, Bhide cautioned that any deviation from the established guidelines could result in a rapid deterioration of air quality. She firmly stated that there will be zero tolerance for any violations, ensuring strict adherence to a 28-point air pollution protocol.

Additionally, a focused campaign aimed at aggressive street cleaning and covering major construction sites is slated to begin from October 1 to 15. To maintain accountability, a dedicated nodal officer will oversee large-scale projects, taking decisive action against any pollution sources. Bhide has also directed officials to identify and clear bottlenecks at approximately 139 locations causing traffic congestion, emphasizing the importance of dismantling illegal constructions to restore smooth traffic flow.