In a decisive move to combat deteriorating air quality, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a strict 15-day deadline to builders. The civic body has mandated the installation of air pollution monitoring sensors and LED display indicators at all major construction sites across the city.
The 15-Day Compliance Deadline
The order, issued by Additional Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B P on Monday, December 16, 2025, targets all ongoing and new construction projects—both residential and commercial—with a built-up area of 5,000 square metres or more. These sites must install the specified air quality monitoring systems and connect them to a real-time dashboard managed by the PMC.
"If the directions of PMC are not followed, then the builder will be issued a showcause notice or stop work order, along with all possible legal action, including penalty," Prithviraj stated. The deadline applies immediately to existing sites and will be enforced for any new work commenced at upcoming sites.
Technology to Guide Mitigation Efforts
The core of this initiative is the LED indicator that will be installed on-site. This display will show real-time air quality data, enabling site engineers to take immediate and informed steps to reduce pollution when levels spike. The action is guided by indicative dust severity levels shown on the LED system.
To ensure quality and reliability, the PMC has finalized a list of approved sensor manufacturers. The civic body collaborated with the Pashan-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) for a co-location study to recommend appropriate sensors. Builders are instructed to install only the models from this approved list, which will be updated as needed.
A Comprehensive Dust Mitigation Checklist
The sensor mandate is part of a broader, mandatory Mitigation Checklist that forms the essential first stage of pollution control at construction sites. The PMC's detailed guidelines include a series of compulsory steps:
- Erecting metal sheet barricades of at least 25 feet height around the site perimeter.
- Covering building structures with green cloth or tarpaulin to prevent dust dispersion.
- Regular water sprinkling on exposed surfaces, internal roads, and dust-prone areas.
- Using water fogging during the loading and unloading of construction materials.
- Storing all construction material, excavated earth, and waste on-site under tarpaulin covers, not on public roads.
- Conducting grinding, cutting, and drilling in enclosed areas with vacuum machines and dust shrouds.
- Providing appropriate PPE like masks and goggles for all workers.
- Deploying smog guns during high-activity periods.
- Ensuring a functional vehicle tyre washing facility at the site exit.
- Running diesel generator sets only on clean fuels like LPG/PNG or with emission control devices.
- Ensuring all transport vehicles possess valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
This directive follows concerns highlighted by initiatives like The Indian Express's 'Breatheless Pune' series, which reported on rising PM2.5 and PM10 levels. Construction dust, where PM10 constitutes about 23% of particles, is a significant contributor. The move also aligns with broader directions from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to control dust from construction activities.
The PMC's aggressive stance signals a new phase of enforceable accountability for the construction industry in Pune, directly linking operational permits to demonstrable pollution control measures.
