Can’t meet 30-day deadline for smog guns, say builders, ET RealEstate
MUMBAI: Builders on Monday sought more time from the BMC to install the mandatory 35ft-high metal sheets, sprinklers, anti-smog guns and air quality index (AQI) monitors at project sites as part of measures to rein in pollution.
Representatives of an organisation of developers, along with local MLA Mihir Kotecha, met the T ward officer and other civic officials to seek the relaxation.
The BMC had on October 25 released a set of pollution control guidelines, giving 30 days for compliance.
“A meeting was held between the stakeholders of the real estate industry and officials of T ward. All the stakeholders not only showed their honest intent in adhering to the guidelines issued by the BMC, but also expressed that they had equal sensitivities towards the issue, being responsible citizens. However, considering that there will be a surge in demand for anti-smog guns and AQI monitors, the developers may not be able to procure the equipment in the stipulated time. The developers have requested for an extension of the deadline,” said Hitesh Thakkar, vice-president of National Real Estate Development Council.
Thakkar said most of the construction sites already have metal sheets 10-15ft tall. “Therefore, we require more time to procure and install taller metal sheets. We have assured the civic officials that till that’s done, the developers would place a green mesh or covering made of jute above the 15ft metal sheets.”
The team requested the official to be lenient with developers before taking any action. “The authorities are expected to consider our request in view of the hardships we are facing,” said a developer who was part of the team. The developers also assured BMC officials that they were carrying out measures like washing of transport vehicles and installation of sprinklers, besides isolation of work like cutting of marble.
T ward had recently issued a stop-work notice to Prestige Mulund Realty and Neelam Realtors for not adhering to the guidelines.
