Pimpri Chinchwad, 18th March : Amid rising air pollution in Pimpri Chinchwad, PCMC Mayor Ravi Landge has directed the civic administration to implement comprehensive and stringent measures across the city.
The directions were issued following a meeting held on March 15 with environmental organisations, experts and various stakeholders.
Taking serious note of the worsening AQI due to rapid industrialisation, increasing vehicular traffic, dust from construction activities and instances of waste burning, the mayor has asked the administration to fix responsibilities and ensure effective implementation of measures.
As per the directives, priority will be given to increasing the number of air quality monitoring stations, making real-time AQI data available to citizens and setting up special monitoring systems in sensitive areas. The administration has also been asked to strengthen the intelligent traffic management system to reduce congestion, promote public transport, encourage the use of electric vehicles and take strict action against old, polluting vehicles.
To control industrial pollution, the mayor has directed regular inspections, mandatory pollution control systems and stringent penalties for violations. Construction sites have been asked to install green nets and dust barriers, while regular road cleaning and water sprinkling have been mandated. A complete ban on waste burning has also been enforced with strict action against violators.
The mayor has also emphasised large-scale tree plantation, development of green belts, urban forests and oxygen parks to ensure long-term environmental balance. In case the AQI reaches severe levels, immediate implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been directed.
тАЬClean and safe air is a fundamental right of every citizen of Pimpri Chinchwad. Improving AQI is not just the administrationтАЩs responsibility but a collective duty of the entire city. However, no laxity will be tolerated. All departments must coordinate and take concrete action, and citizens should actively participate in this effort,тАЭ Landge said.
The mayor has also instructed all concerned departments to define responsibilities and conduct regular review meetings to monitor progress. Detailed action taken reports are to be submitted within a stipulated time frame.
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