Pune Municipal Corporation Expands Pollution Monitoring to Smaller Construction Sites
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to significantly broaden its pollution control measures by making the installation of pollution monitoring systems mandatory for smaller construction projects. This move aims to bring a greater number of sites under the ambit of existing environmental norms.
Current Regulations and Proposed Changes
Currently, only construction projects exceeding 5,000 square meters in size are required to install these monitoring systems. However, Mayor Manjusha Nagpure announced on Wednesday that the civic body will soon reduce this minimum plot size threshold. "We will soon reduce the minimum size of plots for installation of these units," Nagpure stated. "The civic administration will also make it compulsory for government and civic projects to monitor their pollution levels."
Additionally, ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants will be incorporated into the monitoring framework. When questioned about action against RMC plants in civic limits, particularly in Sinhagad Road areas she represents, Nagpure responded, "A policy will have to be formed for the same."
Recent Enforcement Actions and New Dashboard
On Wednesday, PMC launched a new dashboard to track pollution levels at private construction sites. Civic officials revealed they have taken action against 220 developers who failed to comply with monitoring system installation norms. Following show-cause notices, approximately 193 developers installed the required units.
In a significant enforcement move, PMC issued a stop-work notice to a private builder in Kothrud for allegedly violating pollution control norms at an ongoing construction site. The notice from the building permission department cited multiple violations:
- Excessive operation of dumpers causing significant dust emissions
- Inadequate installation of green netting
- Lack of other safety measures
- Non-compliance with air pollution norms
The notice referenced violations of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board directives from November 2, 2023, and authorized action under Section 267(1) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act and Section 54 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. It warned that continued construction would lead to police-assisted action against those performing the work.
Broader Pollution Control Strategy
Prithviraj BP, Additional Commissioner of PMC, explained the rationale behind these measures: "The aim behind the notices is not to pose any threat to developers. The civic administration wants to put a system in place to deal with air pollution caused by construction activity. It is intended to create awareness about the high concentration of pollutants in the air."
PMC areas currently host approximately 350 construction sites larger than 5,000 square meters. The expansion of monitoring requirements will significantly increase the number of regulated sites.
Comprehensive Pollution Prevention Measures
In 2024, the civic administration had already instructed adherence to pollution prevention norms and safety guidelines, including:
- Use of green nets
- Installation of large iron sheets
- Implementation of other precautionary measures
Civic officials attribute increased pollution levels to both private and civic construction works across the city. Major projects contributing to pollution include:
- Flyovers and bridges
- Road construction
- Public transport facilities
These projects are concentrated in areas including Sinhagad Road, Kothrud, Bavdhan, Baner, Pashan, Aundh, NIBM Road, Kondhwa, Solapur Road, and Satara Road.
Regulatory Framework and Monitoring Mechanisms
Beyond the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), PMC has introduced new directives modeled after those implemented by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). These make it mandatory for developers and contractors to surround construction sites with tin sheets as a pollution control measure.
PMC officials also announced that special squads will monitor trucks transporting construction materials such as gravel, soil, and crushed stones from building material suppliers to construction sites. This comprehensive approach aims to address pollution at multiple points in the construction process.
The expanded monitoring mandate represents a significant step in Pune's efforts to combat construction-related air pollution, bringing smaller projects into the regulatory framework while strengthening enforcement against violators.
