Mumbai smog: Bombay High Court slams civic bodies for neglecting construction workers’ safety

Key Points

1. Bombay High Court criticized BMC and MPCB on December 23, 2025, for failing to protect construction workers from air pollution.
2. The court was hearing a suo motu public interest litigation on Mumbai’s worsening air quality.
3. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani stated he conducted two surprise visits in mid-November and last reviewed compliance on October 28.
4. Authorities issued 433 show-cause notices and 148 stop-work orders.
5. Senior Advocate Darius Khambata noted that less than 600 out of 1,900 construction sites in Mumbai have installed AQI monitors.
6. The court adjourned the hearing to December 24 and is ready to sit even during vacation if required.