Pollution in Pune : Dust levels in Pune have increased significantly due to ongoing construction projects in the city. In response, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had issued notices to halt 208 construction projects that were not taking necessary measures to reduce dust pollution. However, only 40 to 50 of these projects have taken corrective actions. The remaining 150+ projects have yet to implement any dust reduction measures, and some are continuing their work despite a halt order. This has raised concerns that the PMC has been neglecting the issue. (Pollution in Pune)
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Construction activity is widespread in the city, which has led to an increase in pollution levels. The authorities had instructed construction professionals and architects to take appropriate measures to curb dust pollution. Emails were sent to the concerned parties, and they were advised to adhere to the guidelines set by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). However, it seems these directives were largely ignored. Engineers from the PMC’s construction department conducted surveys and issued notices to projects where dust control measures had not been implemented.
The notices referenced the Maharashtra Municipalities Act under Section 267 and the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act of 1966 under Section 54, demanding that work be immediately halted at non-compliant sites. It was also stated that action would be taken through the police if the instructions were not followed. As a result, the work at 208 construction projects was suspended. Only 40 to 50 projects have since implemented the required measures and were allowed to resume construction by the PMC. However, over 150 projects have not yet taken any action to reduce dust pollution.
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Rajesh Bankar, the Senior Engineer from the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Construction Department, mentioned that the PMC had issued notices to stop work on 208 projects due to dust pollution concerns. He confirmed that 40 to 50 projects had taken corrective actions and were granted permission to resume construction. The PMC is now requesting reports from the remaining projects on whether they have implemented any dust reduction measures.
