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BMC Mandates Air Quality Monitoring
December 24, 2024, BMC releases new guidelines for air quality monitoring at construction sites. Starting on May 13th, 2025, all construction sites in Mumbai are required to have air quality monitoring systems measuring PM2.5 and PM10 detection, temperature, and humidity and including refreshing data every 30 seconds with other features like API-based connectivity, data backup, outdoor-ready build, and power backup, and they also should be approved and certified by the government.
WHY…
The primary reason is to control the increase in air pollution in Mumbai. The Bombay High Court has introduced these guidelines to ensure that air quality can be monitored in real time. This move helps both local authorities and residents stay informed about any rise in pollution levels, making it easier to take quick action against possible violations that can be caused by the construction sites. The BMC also wants to curb air pollution from construction activities, which are a significant contributor to the overall air pollution in Mumbai. Studies have shown that PM2.5 levels in Mumbai increased by 54.2% between 2019 and 2020, followed by a marginal drop in 2021, a drop in 2022, and a spike in 2023. It is very important for us to understand that we need to start taking action on these rising numbers.
Important Points to be Noted
- Mandatory Monitors
The air quality monitoring systems should have sensor-based monitors for projects under ₹500 Cr and reference-grade (BAM) monitors for projects over ₹500 Cr.
- Public LED Display
A 3 ft x 4 ft LED board displaying real-time PM2.5 and PM10 levels must be installed at all sites in Mumbai.
- Data Transmission
The data should be transmitted to the BMC Command & Control Center via API, with 60-day local backup.
- Strict Timelines
30 days for ongoing projects and 15 days for new projects are given. Non-compliance leads to stop-work notices.
- Regular Calibration & Maintenance
The monitors must regularly undergo calibrations and maintenance (every two months) as per the BMC guidelines to ensure data accuracy.
Penalties
Strict penalties like significant fines and project suspensions will be issued for continued non-compliance.
EXACTLY WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO….
To abide by the government rules and regulations there are certain points that we have to focus on while monitoring air quality at construction sites:
- Real-Time Pollution Monitoring
air quality monitoring systems are required to accurately measure PM2.5 and PM10 detection, temperature,humidity with refreshing data every 30 seconds.
- API-Based Connectivity
The system should have connectivity features like Seamless submission to BMC's Command & Control Center and integration with 3rd-party software.
- Data Backup
These monitoring systems are required to have 60-day local storage with an SD card with a Secure cloud access for backup and review.
Outdoor-Ready Build
The system is required to have an IP65-rated enclosure and should be durable under high dust and humidity and should be easily wall- or pole-mounted.
- Approved and Certified
Validated by IITs/CSTEP or certified under the MCERTS/TUV/NIST, the systems should also be listed as an official provider in BMC's shortlist, like Technovalue Solutions Pvt. Ltd.