Pimpri Chinchwad, 22nd April 2026: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has intensified its drive against air pollution. The civic officials inspected 22 Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants and sealed 14 units for serious violations of environmental norms between April 17 and 21.
The action, carried out by the civic bodyтАЩs environment department, is part of a sustained and planned effort to curb rising dust pollution from construction and industrial activities across the city.
Officials said the crackdown is being implemented in accordance with guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on October 17, 2025, which mandate strict operational standards for RMC plants.
During the inspection drive conducted by nuisance detection squads, 22 plants were thoroughly examined, of which 14 were found in gross violation of pollution control norms and were immediately sealed. The violations included absence of dust suppression systems, lack of regular water sprinkling, open storage of raw materials, and failure to implement basic dust control measures.
The remaining units were issued strict warnings and directed to comply with environmental requirements without delay. These include installation of air quality monitoring systems, regular water spraying, covering of plant premises, and other dust mitigation measures. Officials warned that further non-compliance would attract stringent action.
PCMC said the enforcement drive is part of a broader strategy to improve air quality in the city, with special focus on emissions from industrial and construction sectors. The civic body added that such inspections will continue in the coming days to ensure compliance and safeguard public health.
As per revised MPCB norms, all RMC plants must obtain clearance under the Orange category and maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres from schools, hospitals, and courts, and 50 metres from residential areas. Plants are required to be fully enclosed, with covered storage of raw materials, silos, conveyors, and mixing units.
Regular water sprinkling, dust collection systems, green belts, paved internal roads, and enclosed transfer points are mandatory. Additionally, tyre-washing facilities, CCTV surveillance, GPS tracking, and proper vehicle cleaning before exit are compulsory. Compliance with PM10 and PM2.5 standards, wastewater treatment and reuse, and adherence to noise and solid waste management rules are also required. Units outside industrial zones are permitted to operate only between 6 am and 10 pm.
PCMC Commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi said controlling air pollution is among the corporationтАЩs top priorities and strict adherence to environmental norms is non-negotiable. He added that continuous action will be taken against violators to improve air quality.
Chief Engineer Sanjay Kulkarni said RMC plants and construction sites must implement dust control measures without exception, and that inspection drives will continue to ensure strict compliance in the future.
The post Pune: PCMC Seals 14 RMC Plants in Crackdown on Air Pollution Violations appeared first on Punekar News.
