Pimpri Chinchwad Takes Action Against 221 Construction Sites Over Pollution Violations
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued notices to 221 construction sites for violating environmental regulations in the last one-and-a-half months. As part of its ongoing drive, the municipal body has collected fines totalling Rs 31.4 lakh, focusing on reducing pollution caused by urban construction activities.
The action follows the PCMC’s adoption of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), aimed at curbing pollution levels in the rapidly urbanising areas of Pimpri Chinchwad. This plan is particularly relevant as the city has been experiencing elevated air pollution levels, with air quality index (AQI) readings ranging between 150 and 200, indicating poor air quality. The municipal body has not only imposed fines but has also issued stop-work notices to two construction firms that failed to comply with pollution norms despite being fined earlier. The notice was issued after these firms neglected to implement essential pollution control measures, which include the installation of safety or green nets and washing the tyres of transport vehicles, a requirement under the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) guidelines. PCMC officials stated that construction companies must adhere to these environmental guidelines to reduce dust pollution, a common concern at construction sites, especially in densely populated urban areas.
The rapid urbanisation of areas like Punawale, Tathawade, Moshi, and Chikhali has exacerbated pollution levels, with construction activities contributing significantly to the deteriorating air quality. These areas have seen a spike in construction projects as the city’s real estate sector continues to boom, but this growth is being accompanied by rising environmental concerns. A senior PCMC official mentioned that several areas in the city, particularly those under ‘D’ ward, such as Punawale, Tathawade, and Wakad, have been the most affected. The fines collected from these areas alone amounted to around Rs 14 lakh, reflecting the extent of the violation of environmental norms.
In response to the growing pollution, the civic body has proposed to increase fines for construction firms under the GRAP, from Rs 10 per square metre to Rs 100 per square metre. This move aims to discourage non-compliance and ensure that construction sites take necessary measures to minimise dust pollution. However, while this change has been proposed, officials have clarified that the new fines are yet to be implemented, and current penalties remain in effect. PCMC is committed to tackling environmental violations more aggressively, as evidenced by its newly formed dedicated teams focused on ensuring compliance.
The PCMC’s environment department has been active in recovering fines, including Rs 30,000 from construction sites just last month. With more stringent monitoring and enforcement expected, the municipal body is determined to improve air quality and make construction activities more environmentally responsible. By cracking down on pollution-causing construction sites, the PCMC hopes to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for the residents of Pimpri Chinchwad and curb the negative impact of rapid urbanisation. The action serves as a warning to construction firms in the area to adhere to environmental guidelines and make sustainability a key part of their operations. Pimpri Chinchwad’s ongoing efforts to regulate construction site pollution under the GRAP are a crucial step in addressing the rising pollution levels in the region. With the implementation of stricter penalties, a more robust monitoring system, and an emphasis on sustainable practices, the civic body aims to reduce environmental degradation and improve the city’s air quality. As the city continues to grow, such measures are vital for ensuring that urban development goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility.
