PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to mandate pollution monitoring systems for smaller construction projects, expanding the current regulations.
At present, only construction projects exceeding 5,000 square meters are required to implement these systems. however, Mayor Manjusha Nagpure announced on Wednesday, “We aim to lower the minimum plot size for these installations soon. The civic body will also require government and civic projects to monitor their pollution outputs.”
Additionally, ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants will also fall under this monitoring requirement.
When questioned about actions taken against polluting RMC plants within civic limits, especially those in the Sinhagad Road area, Nagpure remarked, “A structured policy needs to be developed.”
On Wednesday, PMC introduced a dashboard for monitoring pollution levels at private construction sites. According to officials, they have taken action against 220 developers who failed to comply with monitoring requirements. Of those, around 193 installed the necessary units after receiving show-cause notices.
On the same day, PMC issued a stop-work notice to a private builder in Kothrud for allegedly violating pollution control norms during ongoing construction. The notice from the building permission department stated: “We have observed violations of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s directives from November 2, 2023. During inspections, it was found that numerous dumpers are operating, causing significant dust emissions. Additionally, proper green netting and safety measures are not in place, violating air pollution standards.”
The notice continued: “Therefore, under section 267(1) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act and section 54 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act of 1966, we hereby order the cessation of work on this property as approved on February 25, 2026.”
It further stated that if work continues, the police will assist the civic body in taking action against those involved, as permitted by the aforementioned laws.
There are approximately 350 sites exceeding 5,000 square meters within PMC areas, as per official estimates. “The intent behind these notices is not to threaten developers, but rather to establish a framework to tackle air pollution from construction. It’s about raising awareness regarding high pollutant concentrations in the air,” stated Prithviraj BP, additional commissioner of PMC.
In 2024, the civic administration mandated compliance with guidelines to mitigate pollution, such as using green nets and large iron sheets. Civic officials noted a rise in pollution due to both private and civic construction activities across the city. Ongoing projects, including flyovers, bridges, and roads, can be seen in areas like Sinhagad Road, Kothrud, Bavdhan, Baner, Pashan, Aundh, NIBM Road, Kondhwa, Solapur Road, and Satara Road.
Furthermore, PMC has introduced new directives in line with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s regulations, requiring developers and contractors to safeguard construction sites with tin sheets.
PMC officials have announced that teams will be monitoring the transport of gravel, soil, and crushed stones to construction sites from suppliers.
