Transforming Mumbai's Construction: Solutions for Sustainability

Aurassure, a sustainability platform, aims to establish safer living environments. It's deeply concerned about the health and safety of construction workers and nearby residents due to the adverse effects of construction and demolition activities on air quality and the environment in this bustling city.

By raising awareness and advocating sustainable construction, Aurassure collaborates with stakeholders to address urgent construction pollution issues in Mumbai, playing a pivotal role in preserving the city's environment and promoting responsible construction practices.

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Our Concern

Worker Well-being: Construction workers are at the forefront of exposure to dust, particulate matter, and other pollutants on construction sites. Aurassure is committed to ensuring the well-being of these workers by addressing and mitigating the impact of pollution on their health.

Public Safety: Construction and demolition activities often take place in urban areas, impacting nearby communities. Aurassure understands the potential health risks posed to the public due to exposure to pollutants, and it aims to minimize these risks through effective mitigation strategies.

Environmental Responsibility: By addressing construction and demolition pollution, the company actively participates in reducing the overall environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

Measure

1. Perform Survey of Construction Sites
2. Adopt Strategy for Scientific Deployment
3. Use Sensors for measuring pollution:Dust Pollutants: PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10NoiseGHG: CO2 and VoCsWeather: Temperature & Humidity
4. Check Real-Time Data using 4G IoT Nodes with battery backup for 100% connectivity.
5. Ensure the reliability of the data with consistent calibration and laboratory certification.

Analyze

1. Utilize AI/ML models for analyzing real-time air quality and noise data.
2. Identify patterns and trends in pollution levels across various timeframes (daily, weekly, and seasonal).
3. Correlate construction activities with spikes in pollution levels using activity tagging for specific interventions.
4. Provide stakeholders with data visualization tools to facilitate informed decision-making regarding construction schedules and necessary interventions.
5. Compare the construction site's Air Quality Index (AQI) with the neighboring city through Kiosk Views.
6. Conduct historical data analysis to predict and plan for periods of increased environmental impact.

“ Solving the problem begins with the effort to know and comprehend it. ”

Act

1. Implement and establish scientifically validated air quality and noise level thresholds.?
2. Activate audible alarms (buzzers) to promptly alert residents and workers.?
3. Continuously refine thresholds based on feedback and evolving environmental standards.
4. Utilize automated systems such as smog guns and sprinklers to control pollution spikes.
5. Perform an analysis of interventions in reducing particulate matter and pollutants with comparison reports

Alternative pollution-reduction and safety strategies

(Source: CPCB: Guidelines on Dust mitigation measures in handling Construction material and C&D wastes)

?? ? ? Building wind-breaking walls around the perimeter of a construction site to contain dust.

?? ? ? Supplying workers with masks to prevent exposure to dust not only safeguards their health but also enhances overall work efficiency, underscoring our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our workforce.

?? ? ? Regular Site Inspections: Conduct frequent inspections to identify and address potential hazards, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards.

?? ? ? Avoid overloading of lorries & overflow of material during transportation and cover wind-borne materials by a sheet made of either jute, tarpaulin, plastic, or any other effective material.

?? ? ? Avoid residential, schools / institutional and hospital areas as transport routes for carrying construction material / C&D wastes.?

?? ? ? As most cities propose to have one C&D waste facility, the locations of all temporary / intermediate C&D wastes storage dumpsites to be placed in the public domain for stakeholders by the concerned department.

?? ? ? In many cases, the transportation route may cover several kms, wet damping would be a major challenge, regular sweeping (or vacuum sweeping) would assist in reducing re-suspension of dust due to movement of vehicles, particularly in cities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of construction-related pollution in Mumbai is a pressing concern that cannot be ignored. The rapid growth of construction projects in the city has led to a significant degradation of air quality, posing risks to the health of residents and the environment. Monitoring and improving air quality is not just a priority; it is an absolute necessity.

Clean air is a fundamental human right, and it directly impacts the quality of life for everyone in the city. Poor air quality leads to health problems, respiratory illnesses, and reduced overall well-being.

By addressing construction-induced pollution and actively monitoring air quality, we can take a critical step toward creating a healthier, more livable, and sustainable Mumbai.