Pune: Bavdhan Residents Protest Against RMC Plants Over Pollution, Traffic Issues

Pune, 8th March 2026: Residents of Bavdhan staged a protest on Sunday at Omkar Garden Chowk, demanding that six ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants operating in the locality be either relocated or shut down. The protesters alleged that the plants have been responsible for worsening traffic congestion, increasing air pollution and posing safety risks to pedestrians.

Local residents said they have repeatedly raised concerns with authorities and public representatives, but the issue remains unresolved. They claim that heavy truck movement linked to the RMC units is creating bottlenecks on narrow internal roads while also affecting the quality of life in the neighbourhood.

Radhika Kashikar, one of the residents who participated in the protest, said the issue has been highlighted multiple times through complaints, discussions and media reports. Despite this, she alleged that authorities have yet to take concrete steps to address the problem.

Officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) said the plants had been asked to comply with environmental regulations. Kartikeya Langote, sub-regional officer of the MPCB in Pune, said the units were given a deadline of 20 days to meet required norms.

Langote added that inspections of the RMC plants had been delayed as staff members were engaged in duties related to the ongoing Assembly session. “A survey of all RMC plants in the area will be carried out to verify whether environmental standards are being followed. If any violations are detected, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.

Residents, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the response from the authorities. Krunnal Gharre, a Bavdhan resident, said dust and emissions from the plants have significantly increased air pollution in the area, raising concerns about respiratory health.

He further said that frequent movement of large trucks associated with the plants is leading to severe traffic congestion on the locality’s narrow roads. According to him, even ambulances and other emergency vehicles often struggle to pass through during peak hours.