In a significant enforcement action, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered an immediate halt to construction work at the upcoming Bombay High Court complex in Bandra East. The civic body took this drastic step after finding that the project contractors had blatantly violated mandated air pollution control norms during the demolition of old structures on the site.
Why the Stop-Work Notice Was Issued
The BMC's action on Monday, December 30, 2025, stems from a failure to adhere to its comprehensive 28-point mitigation guidelines. These rules are designed to control dust and particulate matter during demolition and construction activities, which are major contributors to Mumbai's deteriorating air quality.
Officials revealed that during a site inspection, the civic squad found that only two of the 28 mandatory guidelines were being followed at the massive 26.44-acre site. The violations were specifically noted during the demolition phase of old government buildings that were cleared to make way for the new integrated complex.
A Series of Escalating Actions
This stop-work order did not come without warning. The BMC's local ward office had previously issued a show-cause notice to the contractor on December 20, after its inspection team first documented the non-compliance. The latest notice indicates that the contractor failed to rectify the issues satisfactorily, prompting the more severe stop-work directive.
The need for the new High Court complex arises from the current heritage premises in South Mumbai's Fort area, which have become inadequate for the institution's growing requirements. The state Public Works Department (PWD) had initiated the process by floating a tender for the "New Integrated High Court Complex" in the Bandra Government Colony area on October 31.
Context of a Broader Crackdown
This enforcement action occurs against a backdrop of increasing judicial and public scrutiny over Mumbai's air pollution crisis. Notably, the stop-work notice was issued less than a week after the Bombay High Court itself, on December 24, criticized the BMC for "turning a blind eye" to the city's rising pollution levels.
The BMC's move signals a potentially tougher stance on construction-related pollution. It underscores the civic body's intent to enforce its guidelines uniformly, even on high-profile government projects. The halt in work will likely continue until the project contractors submit and implement a satisfactory plan to comply with all dust and pollution mitigation measures, potentially causing delays in the much-needed judicial infrastructure project.
