Air Pollution in Pune : PMC issues show-cause notice to Shewalewadi builder for causing air pollution

By: Pune Pulse

December 7, 2023

Pune: In the latest development regarding the Joyville construction project in Shewalewadi, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a show-cause notice to the project builder Shapoorji Pallonji on December 6 for flouting the regulations issued by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) about reducing air pollution in Pune.

As per further information from the PMC’s show-cause notice order accessed by Pune Pulse, the MPCB carried out an inspection of the construction site/premises in Shewalewadi on December 2 and noticed that that the regulations to tackle air pollution in the city, issued by MPCB, have been violated on the construction premises.

The show-cause notice order further states why punitive/legal action should not be taken against the builder? In this regard, the builder should submit their disclosure to the PMC within two days. The notice also stated that if the disclosure is not found to be satisfactory, further legal action may be taken against the builder.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Rahul Shevale, Former Deputy Sarpanch, Shewalewadi said, “The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a notice to Shapoorji Pallonji in Shewalewadi and has been asked to submit a report within two days.”

Earlier in December 2023, the PMC had taken action against the builder in connection with the construction debris of the Shapoorji Pallonji’s Joyville construction project in Shewalewadi, which was thrown at the side of a canal in the area. Hence, the builder was fined Rs 1 lakh.

Balkrushna Shevale, Resident of Shewalewadi said, “There is so much air pollution due to the construction project of Joyville in Shewalewadi. Construction debris is thrown regularly near the canal. Hence, pollution is getting worse day by day. Apart from the pollution, the construction labourers keep smoking cigarettes & consuming alcohol due to which ladies from the area fear stepping out of the house. Also, 3 people from our family were affected by Dengue. Thus, issuing a Rs 1 lakh fine & other legal action being taken from the authorities against the builder is very satisfying for us.”

The issue was raised by Rahul Shewale, deputy sarpanch of Shewalewadi and a member of Bharatiya Janata Party who complained to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and District Collector of Pune to stop the construction of a project called ‘Joyville’ of Shapoorji Pallonji Group citing air and noise pollution: 

The complaint alleged that there is an increase in respiratory and other diseases spreading in the area. The citizens are unable to sleep peacefully due to construction work going on late in the night.

Shreyas Vange