Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad To Get Pollution-Free Core Zones; SOP For RMC In 3 Weeks
Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad To Get Pollution-Free Core Zones; SOP For RMC In 3 Weeks
Pune, May 8, 2026: In view of rising air pollution levels in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, the district administration has announced key measures for regulating Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants across the metropolitan region.
A high-level meeting chaired by Jitendra Dudi was held at the Collector’s Office on Wednesday, where authorities decided to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the RMC industry within the next three weeks.
The administration also announced plans to identify pollution-free “core zones” in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad within the next four to six months.
The meeting was attended by Naval Kishore Ram, Vijay Suryavanshi, senior police and traffic officials, representatives from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and office-bearers of the Pune District Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) Plant Association.
Speaking after the meeting, District Collector Dudi said the administration has decided to adopt a coordinated approach to tackle increasing air pollution, traffic congestion, and construction-related challenges in the twin cities. He said a joint meeting involving PMRDA, Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, police authorities, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board would finalise a detailed SOP for the RMC industry.
Until the SOP is implemented, authorised RMC plants complying with regulations will be allowed to continue operations under specific conditions. However, strict action will be taken against illegal RMC plants, and such units will be shut down, officials said.
The administration also announced temporary traffic regulations for RMC transport vehicles. Except in designated “red zone” areas, RMC transportation will be allowed without restrictions on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On the remaining four days, RMC vehicle movement will only be permitted between 11 am and 5 pm. These temporary rules will remain in force until the SOP is finalised.
Key Decisions Taken During The Meeting
- Pollution-free “core zones” for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad metropolitan areas will be identified within the next four to six months.
- A detailed SOP for the RMC industry will be prepared within three weeks through a joint meeting involving PMRDA, both municipal corporations, police authorities, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
- RMC transportation will be allowed freely on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, excluding red zones, while restricted timings of 11 am to 5 pm will apply on other days.
- All RMC transport vehicles must display clear nameplates, install cameras, and strictly follow all administrative guidelines and regulations.
Officials said the administration aims to maintain a balance between industrial activity and environmental protection while prioritising public health. The move is being seen as an important step toward creating a dedicated regulatory framework for the RMC industry amid rapid urbanisation in the Pune metropolitan region.
