To prevent dust pollution at Shivaji Park, experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) have proposed watering and planting grass on the ground. IIT-B’s Environmental Science and Engineering Department recommended this in a report to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The report advises spraying water on the ground twice daily to stop fine soil particles from becoming airborne. It also suggests planting grass to reduce dust levels. As per reports, the grass planting will be carried out in phases over the next six months, whereas water spraying is already underway.
The investigation followed complaints from residents about rising dust pollution. In response, BMC’s G North ward removed nine inches of soil from the park. A team from IIT-B has also sought an extension to study the soil pattern of the ground.
Shivaji Park spans 28 acres, with 70% soil and 30% greenery. Park's dust problems have increased since 2021, when 250 truckloads of soil were added for beautification. Now, it has been reported that dust levels usually increase after 10 a.m. and continue throughout the day.
Interestingly, residents are unsatisfied with this plan. As per reports, they have criticised BMC’s reliance on water sprinkling, arguing that it had been tried before without success. It has also been noted that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had given BMC a 15-day deadline to address dust pollution, which expired on Tuesday, January 21.
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