PCMC Issues Notices to 221 Construction Sites for Violations

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has intensified its crackdown on construction sites violating pollution control norms. Over the past one-and-a-half months, the civic body has issued notices to 221 sites and collected fines amounting to Rs. 31.4 lakh. This enforcement is part of its ongoing drive against polluting construction firms after adopting the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle deteriorating air quality in the twin cities. 

In addition to imposing financial penalties, PCMC has also issued stop-work notices to two firms that failed to pay fines or comply with pollution control measures despite receiving previous warnings, according to an official from the civic body. 

Pimpri Chinchwad has witnessed alarmingly high pollution levels in recent months, with air quality index (AQI) readings between 150 and 200 in several areas. Officials have attributed the worsening air quality to rapid urbanization in developing regions like Punawale, Tathawade, Moshi, and Chikhali.

The extensive construction activity in these areas has led to increased dust and particulate matter in the air, significantly impacting residents' health. 

A senior PCMC official emphasized that construction firms are required to follow all guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to mitigate dust pollution.

However, inspections conducted by civic teams revealed widespread non-compliance, with many sites failing to implement crucial measures such as installing green or safety nets, washing the tyres of transport vehicles, and suppressing dust emissions. As a result, violators were penalized, and strict warnings were issued. 

To further strengthen enforcement, PCMC had previously proposed raising fines on construction firms from Rs. 10 per square meter to Rs. 100 per square meter under GRAP. This move aims to ensure stricter compliance and discourage violations. However, civic officials have stated that the revised fines are yet to be implemented.