Mumbai: Environmental NGO Awaaz Foundation has urged BMC to make data from air quality monitors installed at construction sites publicly accessible, including calibration reports, equipment failures and action taken against errant sites.
In a letter dated Oct 28 to BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide, foundation founder Sumaira Abdulali pointed to the civic body’s circular issued on Nov 6, 2025, which lays down a standard operating procedure (SOP) for ensuring that construction site air quality monitors function properly.
Abdulali said the SOP requires monitoring data to be transmitted live to BMC’s Command and Control Centre, with the monitors remaining online for more than 95% of the time. Faulty equipment must be repaired within six hours and replaced within 24 hours, while sensors must be calibrated every two months. Ongoing construction sites are also required to complete a co-location check within six months.
The circular identifies reporting zeroes as a known sensor fault and provides for show-cause and stop-work notices in cases of non-compliance, the foundation said.
Abdulali has sought a dedicated public website displaying live monitoring data, calibration records, details of faulty equipment and information on repairs, replacements and enforcement action.
The foundation also reiterated its demand that BMC deploy monitoring vans equipped with high-quality air pollution monitoring instruments to obtain more reliable, localised readings across the city.
Such monitoring would be particularly important during
Diwali, when widespread firecracker use can cause sharp, localised spikes in pollution, enabling residents to access timely information and take precautions, the letter said.
