THANE: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) will keep vigil on its boundaries with Mumbai to prevent debris-laden trucks from entering city limits, for dumping the rubble, as one of the measures undertaken to keep air pollution levels in check.Municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar announced the action plan formulated by the TMC to control air pollution in Thane following a meeting with senior officials, late Tuesday.Track the pollution level in your cityWe have noted that many dumpers enter Thane (from Mumbai) at night and blatantly dump debris at several locations adding to the pollution levels here. We will deploy teams at Anand Nagar and Modella check nakas to prevent these vehicles from entering our city, said Bangar.The commissioner also instructed mist fountains installed at Vitawa and Majiwada to be operational to their full potential. Last week, TOI had highlighted how these machines were under-performing due to various reasons. He added that the city will replicate the policy adopted by the BMC to help curb pollution levels.Meanwhile, among other initiatives discussed, the corporation will deploy flying squads at the ward levels to monitor the air quality and discourage bonfires, burning of waste in the open and late night cracker bursting. The respective supervisors at private construction sites and road work projects will also be instructed to ensure minimal dust pollution is created in the vicinity.Ward level teams will micro-monitor their areas and report to the pollution control department about daily observations. Those residents or commercial units found polluting the air will be warned initially and later penalised, said Bangar. The corporation is also thinking about installing boards displaying current pollution levels at the particular spot which will also help citizens realise the worsening air quality levels and encourage them to take corrective action. In addition, schools will also be roped in to create awareness about the ill-effects of busting firecrackers.We also published the following articles recentlyMarginal dip in air pollution levels in Delhi, AQI in very poor categoryDelhis air quality improved slightly from severe to very poor on Tuesday after five days of severely polluted air. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 395, exceeding the safe limit by 30 to 40 times. The Ministry of Earth Science predicts a return to severe air quality on November 8. The Delhi government has reinstated the odd-even scheme and temporarily suspended in-person classes in schools to combat the crisis. Long-term exposure to high pollution levels can lead to respiratory issues and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.AAP, BJP spar on pollution levels in DelhiThe Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP continue to blame each other for the poor air quality in Delhi. The AAP alleges that pollution levels have increased due to Haryanas failure to control stubble burning, while the BJP argues that the Kejriwal government should take responsibility for stopping crop residue burning in Punjab. The parties exchanged accusations during press conferences, with the AAP claiming that smoke from stubble burning in Haryana is the main contributor to pollution in Delhi. The BJP challenges this claim, citing data from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.Mumbai Air Pollution: MPCB issues notices to four concrete mixing plants for polluting airThe Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued notices to four concrete mixing plants in Mumbai for violating clean air rules. These notices have been issued under the Air Pollution and Control of Prevention Act, 1981. The MPCB has asked the plants to explain why they have not complied with pollution norms, such as installing dust collectors and running the plant only during daytime. Two of the plants have already been served with closure notices. The MPCB is conducting a survey of RMC plants as they contribute to air pollution.

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