A Study on the Environmental Impact and Disaster Management Strategies in the Redevelopment of Buildings: Case Mumbai

The demolition of more than 15 years old buildings with less than four stories being now converted to towers of minimum 20 stories has increased manifold in the last five to ten years. The rampant demolitions and construction of towers have resulted in rising levels of pollution in cities like Mumbai. Cement is one of the highest pollutants just next to the oil industry. Right from manufacturing, transportation and its use in construction, it causes pollution at distinct levels. This study focuses on the study of pollution caused by rampant redevelopment of buildings in cities like Mumbai. Progressive humanity needs to improve on the infrastructure and improve living styles, but at the same time high rise buildings warrant construction where cement is one of the main ingredients and causes pollution in the densely populated cities like Mumbai. This construction aggravates the pollution levels. The research is also dealing with the best use of construction and demolition material. In addition, the research is exploring the alternative to cement usage or limited usage of cement so that pollution can be contained. The study demonstrates the direct influence of cement usage in construction. On one side redevelopment cannot be halted, as halting it would mean static society living. Development of the economies and living standards will call for redevelopment. The solution lies in rational usage of cement and construction and demolition material.