India, Dec. 19 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a fivefold hike in penalties for violating air pollution norms, raising the minimum fine from Rs.10,000 to Rs.50,000.

"Currently, Rs.10,000 is the lowest penalty issued. We have proposed increasing it to Rs.50,000 to act as a stronger deterrent against construction sites that cause air pollution," said deputy municipal commissioner (environment and climate change)Avinash Kate, on Thursday.

The proposal has been submitted to civic commissioner and administrator Bhushan Gagrani for approval. According to Kate, higher penalties are intended to ensure stricter compliance with pollution control norms at construction sites across the city.

Currently, the BMC is monit...