BMC to revoke project permits, suspend architect licences over air pollution breaches
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has imposed tough penalties on construction sites that fail to follow air pollution mitigation measures. Architects and developers face licence suspension, revocation of development permission, and a 100 per cent penalty on unauthorised work done after a stop-w
MUMBAI — The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed stringent conditions on construction sites that fail to implement air pollution mitigation measures, including suspension of the architect's or licensed surveyor's licence, revocation of development permission, and a penalty of 100 per cent of the applicable premium rates for unauthorised work carried out after the issuance of a stop-work notice.
The measures follow directions from the High Powered Committee (HPC), which was constituted after a High Court order in January 2026 to monitor and supervise compliance with directions for preventing and controlling air pollution in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The HPC directed the BMC to curb negligence by project proponents towards air pollution mitigation measures after finding that air quality was not improving despite action against construction sites and the issuance of stop-work notices.
“When it was found that the air quality was not improving during certain periods, despite action being pursued against construction sites and stop-work notices being issued, the inference was that the construction sites were not adhering to the directions of the civic body,” a civic official said. “Some of the developers may be taking a chance and continuing their activities, assuming that they will get away with it. Therefore, the HPC had directed the BMC to curb negligence by project proponents towards air pollution mitigation measures. Accordingly, these conditions have been imposed.”
The BMC has also made the issuance of notices to construction sites part of AutoDCR, the online platform for building permission approvals. The circular states that any unauthorised work carried out after a stop-work notice will incur a penalty of 100 per cent of the applicable premium rates, regardless of any concession in the regulations under which the development is proposed.
Hitesh Thakkar, vice-president of the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), said: “Clean air is a basic human right, not a privilege. Accountability for developers is essential to ensure effective air-pollution mitigation, while enforcement must remain fair and transparent. Development and environmental protection must go hand in hand for a healthier, cleaner Mumbai.”
