Mumbai: The BMC has decided to withdraw its proposal to procure battery-operated dust suction vehicles. The move follows findings that the machines were less effective than expected and had triggered complaints of respiratory issues due to improper handling.

Instead, the BMC will now implement a road washing and scrubbing initiative using water. The measure aims to reduce airborne dust and improve overall air quality in the city.

Background on the Original Plan

In 2023, the BMC released the Mumbai Air Pollution Mitigation Plan (MAPMP), identifying road dust as the primary source of air pollution in the city. To tackle this, the BMC proposed the purchase of 12 battery-operated dust suction vehicles at a cost of Rs 75 crore.

These vehicles, equipped with dust suction machines and sprink

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