Pune’s Rising Pollution Sparks Concern; PMC Issues Ultimatum To RMC Plant Operators To Address Dust Pollution In Eight Days

Pune, 11th December 2024: The pollution levels in Pune have risen alarmingly due to a sharp increase in hazardous PM2.5 dust particles in the air. In response, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to enforce stringent regulations to curb air pollution caused by construction activities and Ready Mix Cement (RMC) operations.

The PMC has issued a stern warning to construction professionals, architects, contractors, transporters, and RMC plant operators, mandating dust-control measures within eight days. Failure to comply will result in penalties. Notifications have been sent via email to stakeholders, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The central parts of the city, along with areas like Kothrud, Baner, Balewadi, Warje Malwadi, Karve Nagar, Dhayari, Narhe, Katraj, Hadapsar, Kondhwa, Mundhwa, Kharadi, Dhanori, Yerwada, Vishrantwadi, and Bopodi, are witnessing large-scale redevelopment and new construction projects. These activities have led to significant dust pollution, affecting residents and commuters alike.

To address this, PMC had previously implemented regulations, including:

– Erecting 25-foot-high sheets on construction site boundaries.
– Covering sites with green cloth and regularly spraying water to prevent dust dispersion.
– Water spraying on roads near construction sites, especially during peak traffic hours.
– Covering construction materials during transport.

Despite these measures, compliance has been lax following initial inspections.

Adding to the problem are RMC plants across the city, whose cement mixers and dumpers frequently leave a trail of dust. This issue is particularly severe in areas where these plants are located near rivers and busy roads, posing a health hazard to nearby residents.

City Engineer Prashant Waghmare has directed the Construction Department to issue notices for non-compliance with MPCB regulations. He also instructed the administration to ensure gravel and cement are cleared from roads and that timely road cleaning is conducted to mitigate the problem.