Pune: Advocate’s Legal Notice Calls for Immediate Action Against Air and Noise Pollution in Wakad
Pune, 14th March 2025: Advocate Vikas Shinde has issued a legal notice to multiple authorities, demanding immediate action against air and noise pollution caused by Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants operating in Wakad, Tathawade, and surrounding areas.
The notice, addressed to the District Collector, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), warns of legal action if corrective measures are not taken within 15 days.
According to the notice, the RMC plants in these areas are violating environmental norms, leading to severe air pollution, deteriorating air quality, and health issues among residents. “The Air Quality Index (AQI) in these areas has crossed 300, which is worse than Delhi. The cement dust is settling on roads, buildings, and even inside homes, severely impacting residents,” said Advocate Shinde.
The notice highlights that there are over 10-12 RMC plants operating within 100 meters of residential buildings and schools, causing significant dust emissions. Several schools, including Akshara International School and Indira National School, are affected, with students exposed to hazardous air. Additionally, constant transportation of cement, sand, and gravel by heavy vehicles has worsened noise pollution and road damage.
Advocate Shinde also pointed out that despite multiple complaints, government authorities have failed to take action. “PCMC, PMRDA, and MPCB are passing the responsibility onto each other, ignoring the fact that pollution knows no jurisdictional boundaries,” he stated.
The residents, particularly IT professionals and senior citizens, have been protesting against the pollution. Over 500 residents staged a silent protest on March 8 under the banner of the Wakad-Tathawade Housing Societies Forum. “Our right to clean air is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. If the authorities fail to act, we will be forced to approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the High Court,” the notice warns.
The legal notice demands a joint inspection of all RMC plants in the area within 15 days, along with strict enforcement of pollution control measures. It also calls for the permanent closure of non-compliant RMC plants or their relocation to non-residential areas. Authorities have been asked to respond with an action-taken report and relevant compliance documents, failing which legal proceedings will be initiated.
Advocate Shinde has sent copies of the notice to the Maharashtra State Environment Department, NGT (Western Zone Bench), and local political representatives, urging immediate intervention to safeguard public health.
