Pune Civic Body Cracks Down on Polluting Construction Sites

10 Dec 2024 CW Team

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has resumed issuing showcause notices to construction sites violating pollution norms, a year after its initial efforts to tackle the city's growing air quality concerns. The move comes as rising dust levels from ongoing civil works across Pune exacerbate pollution in key areas like Sinhagad Road, Kothrud, Baner, and Aundh.

Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale emphasized the administration's commitment to ensuring compliance with safety guidelines, such as using green nets and metal sheets around construction sites. Contractors who fail to adhere to these norms will face penalties.

The initiative follows concerns raised by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the introduction of additional guidelines inspired by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) directives. These include mandatory 14-foot metal barriers and six-foot green cloth enclosures around construction zones to curb dust spread.

Resident Concerns and Civic Action Residents have called for stricter enforcement, citing the dual impact of construction dust and heavy traffic on daily life. “Dust particles affect both residents and commuters. Without proper precautions, the issue is worsening,” said Samir Paranjape, a resident of Sinhagad Road.

In 2023, PMC had served notices to 124 developers for similar violations. The Credai Pune chapter has now urged its members to install sprinklers and abide by the updated regulations to mitigate pollution.

With projects like flyovers, bridges, and public transport facilities underway, the civic body aims to balance development and environmental sustainability while prioritizing public health.

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