PMC Cracks Down on Construction Sites Over Air Pollution in Pune

Amidst the rising concern over Pune’s deteriorating air quality, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a stringent crackdown against construction sites for non-compliance with dust mitigation measures. As part of an ongoing inspection initiative, PMC officials have issued notices to 158 construction sites across the city, with 91 projects receiving stop-work orders due to the failure to implement mandated dust control measures. The crackdown, which began on Wednesday, is part of the PMC’s broader strategy to curb air pollution and ensure that construction activities do not exacerbate the city’s already compromised air quality.

Over the past month, Pune’s air quality has consistently hovered in the “moderate” category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuating between 100 and 200. On Friday, the AQI stood at 137, reflecting a moderate level of pollution. Specific areas like Shivajinagar and Katraj recorded AQI values of 169 and 110, respectively, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. Experts estimate that construction dust contributes to 30 to 40 per cent of the city’s air pollution, making it a critical target for mitigation measures.

The PMC’s Building Permission and Construction Department conducted inspections across six administrative zones, uncovering several violations of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s (MPCB) dust control guidelines. Zone 1, covering areas such as Lohgaon, Hadapsar, and Keshavnagar, recorded the highest number of infractions, with 36 cases. Other zones, including Zone 4 (Yerawada and Kalyaninagar) and Zone 6 (Aundh and Baner), reported 16 and 20 violations, respectively. In contrast, Zone 3, which includes Vimannagar and Pune Station, had fewer violations, with only four cases.

While the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) Pune chapter downplays the violations among its members, citing adherence to guidelines such as the use of sprinklers and green nets, the PMC’s actions reflect a more urgent approach to urban air quality. City officials have underscored the importance of these measures, such as covering construction sites with wet green cloths, installing metal sheets around boundaries, and using sensor-based devices to monitor air quality. Non-compliance with these measures can result in penalties or stop-work orders, as demonstrated by the recent enforcement.

From a sustainability standpoint, the PMC’s crackdown is vital in reducing the environmental footprint of Pune’s rapid urbanisation. The construction sector’s contribution to air pollution is a significant barrier to achieving long-term environmental goals. By enforcing dust control measures, the PMC is not only improving air quality but also fostering a cleaner, more sustainable urban ecosystem. This initiative serves as a reminder of the civic responsibility of developers and the pressing need for coordinated efforts to combat air pollution, ensuring a healthier future for Pune’s residents.