Give Us Clean Air to Breathe: Rising Pollution from Industries, Vehicles, and Construction in Pune
Give Us Clean Air to Breathe: Rising Pollution from Industries, Vehicles, and Construction in Pune
Pune: The city’s air quality continues to deteriorate due to pollution from industries, vehicles, and an increasing number of construction projects. The situation has worsened to the point where thousands of residents had to take to the streets, demanding clean air. The recently released Economic Survey report by the state government has also highlighted this growing crisis in Pune.
Pune is a major hub for industrial investment, with rapid urbanization occurring in both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. However, expanding city boundaries have also led to rising challenges. The number of vehicles in Pune has now surpassed the city’s population, adding to the pollution burden.
According to the state’s Economic Survey, Pune has 23,218 industries, out of which:
- 4,841 fall under the high pollution category
- 9,265 are classified as medium pollution
- 10,818 are in the low pollution category
This means that more than half of Pune’s industries contribute to significant pollution levels.
Air Quality Continues to Decline
The air quality index (AQI) in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad is consistently worsening due to emissions from industries, vehicles, and dust from ongoing construction projects. Hundreds of ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants, which supply cement for construction, have become major pollution sources.
The Wakad area has been particularly affected, prompting IT professionals and local residents to protest against rising pollution levels. On Wednesday evening, the AQI in Bhumkar Nagar, Wakad, reached 265, which falls in the unhealthy category and can cause respiratory issues.
Ineffective Actions by Authorities
While Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has shut down some RMC plants, it has had little impact. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) issued notices to 200 construction projects for violating pollution norms, but only 50 responded. The remaining violators’ details have been forwarded to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for action, though the board has yet to receive an official list. This lack of coordination between government agencies has worsened the pollution crisis.
MPCB Steps In
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has finally taken action after receiving numerous complaints, particularly against RMC plants. The board has begun inspections of pollution control measures at these sites, along with air quality checks. If a plant is found to be exceeding pollution limits, strict action will be taken immediately, confirmed MPCB Officer.
With pollution levels rising and government inaction frustrating citizens, the demand for cleaner air in Pune is growing louder.
