BMC to map 10 air pollution hotspots in each ward: BMC on Saturday said that it has drawn up an Air Pollution Control and Enforcement Action Plan-2026, with a focus on identifying pollution hotspots and stepping up enforcement against construction dust, road dust, debris dumping, garbage burning and vehicular emissions. Under the plan, at least 10 air pollution hotspots will be identified in every administrative ward and mapped through updated lists. Major construction and redevelopment sites, infrastructure works, locations where garbage is burnt or debris is dumped, and traffic congestion points will be included in the hotspot list. A designated officer will be responsible for monitoring each hotspot. The civic body has also directed its teams to inspect at least two construction sites daily. The BMC said its existing 28-point guidelines for construction and demolition sites will be strictly enforced, with violators facing show-cause notices, stop-work notices and, if required, sealing action.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde is scheduled to address a press conference at BMC headquarters this afternoon, amid opposition to the civic administration’s decision to launch a three-month special drive from October 1 against unauthorised constructions in slum areas. Under the proposed drive, 39,111 structures measuring 14ft or more in height have been identified for action. Tawde’s press conference comes days after BJP leader of the House Ganesh Khankar submitted a written objection to the BMC’s decision. The proposed action has also faced opposition from other political parties.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to protect slum dwellings that have been vertically extended to create 1+1 homes, ahead of the @mybmc proposed three-month drive against unauthorised constructions measuring 14ft or more. Thackeray said the civic administration’s decision to take action against structures based on their height would affect families living in Mumbai’s slums. He also referred to the BMC’s recently operationalised Occupancy Certificate (OC) Amnesty Scheme, arguing that ordinary citizens should receive similar protection.