PMC Cracks Down on Dust Pollution at Construction Sites

Report by The Newsage Pune.

Initiative Taken by Social Worker Jaymala Dhankikar from PMC to Lessen Dust Pollution

158 construction sites in Pune were asked to stop functioning due to violation of rules and guidelines. The work of these sites exceeded the levels of dust pollution generally allowed by the authorities of PMC. 208 notices have been issued as of 21st February 2025.

The dust generated by construction sites in various areas of Pune have sparked concerns regarding a plethora of aspects including health and environment safety. PMC and other concerned authorities have been informed of the same and have conducted surveys in order to check, measure and amend the levels of pollution created as a result of infrastructural work.

50 sites complied with the orders and were allowed to continue the construction work. On the other hand, 158 sites disregarding the same and received 'stop-work' notices. The violators are eligible of receiving punishment under Section 267 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act and Section 54 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1996 respectively.

PMC conducted a survey to check the code of conduct of the affairs and found major violations in Lohegaon, Hadapsar, Keshav Nagar, Undri and Pisoli (Zone VI). Currently, Pune has more than 10,000 active construction projects that blatantly ignore the dust control measures laid down by higher authorities. Jaymala Dhankikar, a social worker urged the MPCB to issue immediate fines and take legal action against violators (polluters). She has also suggested conducting regular inspections to enforce dust control measures and also improvise the existing ones.