PCMC to take strict action on RMC plants violating pollution norms, may seal units

Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has warned Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants operating within city limits to strictly comply with pollution control norms, failing which they will face action, including sealing of units.Civic officials stated the warning comes at a time when the city's air quality remains in the moderate category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging between 100 and 150, according to monitoring stations in Pimpri-Chinchwad. In view of this, the civic body has directed RMC plant operators, builders and construction material suppliers to implement immediate measures to control dust and air pollution.Sanjay Kulkarni, city engineer and head of PCMC environment department, said officials from the civic body's regional offices will regularly inspect establishments, and strict action will be taken against those found violating the rules."Units found flouting the norms will be shut down until the required pollution control measures are implemented. If necessary, authorities will also seal the premises," Kulkarni said.A senior civic official said Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had introduced stricter guidelines for RMC plants last year, but many units are yet to comply."Pollution generated from these plants has been affecting residents living nearby and contributing to the deterioration of the city's air quality. So, the civic body has decided to launch a special drive against defaulters," the MPCB official said.He said RMC plant operators have been given some time to comply with the norms. "Those who fail to do so will face action, and our teams will seal the units," he added.According to PCMC officials, around 200 RMC plants operate in the city, including those located within construction project sites as well as standalone units. Earlier, such plants were required to obtain permission only from the MPCB. However, due to limited enforcement against violators, it has now been made mandatory for them to register with PCMC as well."In the last six months, around 25 to 30 plants have registered with the civic body. The remaining units that already have MPCB permission will have to register with PCMC when they apply for renewal of their licences," the official added.