The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced stricter conditions for builders who fail to follow air pollution mitigation measures at construction sites. Developers could face revocation of their development permission if the required measures are not implemented.
Architects and licensed surveyors associated with such projects could also face suspension of their licences for failing to comply with the prescribed pollution-control requirements.
BMC Tightens Pollution Rules for Construction Projects
The new conditions were introduced through a BMC circular issued on September 2. Developers, architects and licensed surveyors will have to submit an undertaking while obtaining an Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) or approval for amended building plans.
Under the undertaking, they will have to comply with air pollution mitigation measures and stop-work notices issued by the civic body when the required measures are not implemented.
If the directions are not followed, the BMC can take action against the architect or licensed surveyor, including suspension of their licence. The development permission for the project can also be revoked.
100% Penalty for Continuing Work After Stop-Work Notice
The BMC has also prescribed a penalty for unauthorised construction that continues after a stop-work notice has been issued.
Such work will attract a penalty equal to 100% of the applicable premium rates, irrespective of any concession available under the development regulations.
The new conditions apply to fresh IOD approvals as well as approvals for amended building plans.
New Rules Follow High Powered Committee Directions
The move follows directions from the High Powered Committee (HPC), which was constituted to monitor compliance with measures for preventing and controlling air pollution in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The BMC has directed that the new conditions be incorporated into the relevant building approvals. Developers and professionals involved in these projects will have to comply with the prescribed pollution-control measures and stop-work directions issued by the civic body.
