Civic commissioner warns of punitive action including stop work
NAVI MUMBAI, Dec 27 (The CONNECT)- Construction activity at CIDCO-run mass housing projects in Navi Mumbai has come under scrutiny after civic officials detected violations of mandatory air and noise pollution control norms, prompting the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation to issue notices seeking immediate compliance.
During inspections in the Turbhe division, NMMC officials found that a group housing project near Juinagar railway station in Sector 11, Sanpada, being executed by City and Industrial Development Corporation, was proceeding without implementing prescribed pollution-prevention measures. Similar lapses were also observed at another CIDCO housing project at Plot No. 1, Sector 19, Vashi, where construction was found to be in violation of the notified Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for air and noise pollution control.
Following the findings, the civic body issued notices directing the project authorities to implement all pollution-mitigation measures mandated under the SOP and to submit a compliance report to the NMMC Town Planning Department within seven days. The notices warn that failure to submit the report could invite action as per rules, including stoppage of construction work.
Environmental activist B N Kumar said the civic body needs to further tighten implementation of the SOPs, as overall pollution levels in the region remain high. He flagged reckless quarrying in Raigad district, particularly along the Uran–Panvel stretch, saying dust clouds frequently engulf Navi Mumbai. He also pointed to a lack of coordination among multiple authorities, noting that administrative control is split between NMMC and CIDCO in different areas.
The action is part of a wider enforcement drive by the NMMC to protect air quality within its jurisdiction. Acting on the directions of Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, the civic body has notified a comprehensive SOP covering construction-related air pollution, noise pollution and blasting activities. A circular issued on August 1, 2024, empowers officials to initiate penal action against violators.
The enforcement is further backed by directions issued by the Bombay High Court on November 28, 2025, mandating strict preventive measures to curb air and noise pollution at construction sites.
NMMC officials said maintaining air quality remains a priority and warned that any agency, including public sector developers, found violating environmental norms will face action as per law.
