Mumbai, Feb 22 (NationPress) Aaditya Thackeray, a prominent leader of Shiv Sena-UBT, has called upon the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to implement an immediate seven-day suspension of private construction activities, citing alarming air quality and describing Mumbai as being “shrouded in severe smog”.

In a pointed letter to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Thackeray expressed his worries regarding the escalating environmental crisis and the ongoing urban development endeavors, demanding prompt actions to safeguard public health.

The correspondence, dated February 22, showcases the increasing tension between the opposition and the civic administration over environmental stewardship and the swift expansion of the city's infrastructure.

Thackeray remarked that Mumbai has been facing “extremely high pollution levels” for the last three days and cautioned that the deteriorating air quality could negatively affect the city’s status as an investment and tourism hub.

He insisted on the urgent enforcement of a week-long moratorium on private construction projects throughout the city, along with a ward-specific construction schedule that aligns with real-time air quality data to mitigate environmental harm.

The former Maharashtra Environment Minister also condemned the BMC’s reported intention to cut down approximately 45,000 mangroves, pointing out the inconsistency between environmental promises and developmental actions.

“A compensatory afforestation scheme is unacceptable if trees are planted in distant locations instead of conserving Mumbai’s natural ecosystem,” Thackeray stated, proposing that alternative engineering methods like underground construction or modified infrastructure designs could aid in preserving mangrove habitats.

Thackeray also expressed his concerns regarding proposed redevelopment and land use changes at significant public locations, including Mahalaxmi Racecourse and Back Garden in Colaba.

On the topic of the proposed underground parking facility at Mahalaxmi Racecourse, he questioned the necessity of public funding for the initiative, asserting that any redevelopment must consider heritage and public accessibility.

Regarding Back Garden in Colaba, he accused civic authorities of succumbing to external pressures and urged the preservation of playgrounds as open public areas instead of transforming them into controlled or commercialized spaces.

Additionally, he called for a comprehensive city audit of playgrounds that have been modified or redeveloped, alleging that these alterations could jeopardize public access and environmental integrity.

Thackeray emphasized the need for the Municipal Commissioner to prioritize public health and environmental conservation when making decisions regarding construction and urban development.

His statements emerge as Mumbai continues to grapple with air quality issues and infrastructure growth, especially in light of the forthcoming civic body elections in the city.