14 RMC Plants Sealed In Pimpri Chinchwad; PCMC Cracks Down On Air Pollution
14 RMC Plants Sealed In Pimpri Chinchwad; PCMC Cracks Down On Air Pollution
Pimpri, April 22, 2026:
In a major crackdown to curb rising air pollution, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has sealed 14 Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants for violating environmental norms during a city-wide inspection drive.
The action was carried out by the civic body’s environment department as part of its ongoing efforts to control dust pollution generated from construction and industrial activities. The drive follows guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on October 17, 2025, mandating strict compliance with operational norms for RMC plants.
During the drive, PCMC’s enforcement teams inspected a total of 22 RMC projects across the city. Of these, 14 were found to be in serious violation of environmental regulations and were immediately sealed. Key lapses included absence of dust control mechanisms, failure to carry out regular water sprinkling, open storage of raw materials, and inadequate pollution mitigation measures.
The remaining units were issued strict warnings and directed to implement corrective measures without delay. These include installing air quality monitoring systems, ensuring regular water spraying, covering the entire plant area with protective sheds, and adopting effective dust suppression techniques. Officials warned that non-compliance will invite stringent action.
PCMC officials stated that the civic body has intensified its focus on improving air quality through targeted enforcement drives, particularly in pollution-prone sectors like construction and industrial operations. The administration reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining environmental balance.
Key MPCB Guidelines for RMC Plants:
- Mandatory approvals under the ‘Orange’ category classification by MPCB
- Minimum distance of 200 meters from schools, hospitals, and courts, and at least 50 meters from residential areas
- Fully enclosed plant operations, including covered raw material storage, silos, conveyors, and mixing units
- Compulsory water sprinkling, dust collection systems, and development of green belts
- Paved internal roads and enclosed transfer points with regular cleaning
- Provision for tyre washing, CCTV cameras, and GPS tracking systems; vehicles must be cleaned before exit
- Covered conveyor belts and enclosed storage of raw materials
- Strict adherence to PM10 and PM2.5 air quality standards
- Mandatory wastewater treatment and reuse; discharge elsewhere prohibited
- Compliance with noise and solid waste management rules
- Operational timings restricted between 6 am and 10 pm for units outside industrial zones
Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, Commissioner of PCMC, said that controlling air pollution remains the top priority of the civic body. “Construction and industrial projects must strictly follow environmental norms. Any violation will not be tolerated, and continuous action will be taken against polluting entities,” he stated.
Sanjay Kulkarni, Chief Engineer, PCMC, added that RMC plants and construction sites must implement mandatory dust control measures. “Strict inspections will continue, and no leniency will be shown towards violators,” he said.
