Pune: Worsening Air Quality Prompts MPCB to Get Tough; Issues Notices to 4 RMC Plants in Wakad

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued show-cause notices to four ready mix concrete (RMC) plants in Wakad and Tathawade for violating air pollution norms. This action follows numerous complaints from local residents, who organized a protest march on March 8 to highlight the issue.

An inspection conducted by an MPCB team on March 10 revealed that the plants had failed to install sprinklers or fogging systems to control dust. Additionally, the plants lacked dedicated storage areas for raw materials, leading to significant dust accumulation on the premises. The regional officer, J S Salunkhe, noted in the notice that the owners had also neglected to provide internal roads paved with cement, asphalt, or concrete.

The notice emphasized that the plants had violated conditions stipulated in their operating consents by discharging untreated effluent and air emissions, causing both air and water pollution. The plants have been given seven days to respond, failing which legal action will be initiated.

Meanwhile, residents of Wakad, Tathawade, and Marunji served a legal notice to the district collector, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), MPCB, and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) over the deteriorating air quality. The notice highlighted that the air quality index in Wakad and surrounding areas had reached an alarming level of 300, indicating severe breathing discomfort.

Residents are saying that strict adherence to pollution norms could prevent such issues. They have urged authorities to conduct joint inspections and permanently shut down non-compliant plants. Residents have also demanded an action-taken report within 15 days and plan to approach the National Green Tribunal if no action is taken.

With Wakad and Tathawade being rapidly developing areas and home to many IT professionals working in Hinjewadi IT park, the issue has gained significant attention. Residents have also called for the relocation of the plants, as more than 10 are situated just 100 meters from residential areas and schools.