Pollution Spike in Pune Linked to Surge in Construction Projects

The air quality in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad is facing a grave threat due to the unchecked proliferation of construction activities, according to monitoring agencies such as the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and SAFAR-IITM.

The escalating construction of roads, buildings, and the Metro system without proportional pollution mitigation measures is posing significant risks to the region’s environment and public health. Recent data indicates a concerning trend in air quality levels. On Wednesday at 5 pm, the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings at various monitoring stations, including the MPCB SPPU monitor, recorded alarming figures. The AQI levels stood at 283, 193, 113, and 163 for different locations, indicating a high risk of air quality deterioration. A report released by Swiss organisation IQAir in collaboration with Greenpeace India further underscored the severity of the situation. The World Air Quality Report 2023 highlighted a significant deterioration in air quality, particularly concerning PM2.5 particles, ranking Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad far worse than Mumbai.

MPCB officials have attributed the deteriorating air quality to the uncontrolled proliferation of construction activities across the cities. Despite existing regulations, many construction projects have failed to comply with pollution control norms, exacerbating the pollution crisis. In the financial year 2023-24, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) approved a staggering 1,709 building permissions, nearly double the permissions granted in the previous year. Concerns have been raised regarding the flouting of air pollution norms by many under-construction buildings. Despite receiving multiple notices from MPCB about norm violations and the need for pollution mitigation measures, PMC’s response has been inadequate. Instead of addressing emissions at the source, the civic body has resorted to isolating monitors from emission sources by covering the area around the devices.

The situation calls for urgent intervention to curb the escalating pollution levels in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Effective enforcement of pollution control regulations, stringent monitoring of construction activities, and proactive measures to mitigate emissions are imperative to safeguard the region’s environment and public health amidst the construction boom.  “We send notices to offenders and to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to regulate the issuance of approvals and ensure compliance when norms are flouted. The corporation is also told to mitigate pollution when we observe an increase. They respond and take action, but it is not enough with the exponential growth of construction and traffic,” said MPCB sources.