MPCB’s Major Crackdown: 11 RMC Plants Sealed, 17 Get Show Cause Notices in Pune & Pimpri Chinchwad
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In a major crackdown on air pollution, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued closure notices to 11 ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Show cause notices have also been served to 17 plants for violating environmental norms.
The action is part of an ongoing survey that began on March 15 to check if RMC plants comply with consent norms. So far, MPCB officials have inspected nearly 100 plants, covering around 70% of the survey.
Officials found a significant rise in PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels in several areas. Dust pollution, mainly caused by RMC plants, is a key factor. Other violations include poorly maintained approach roads, lack of water sprinklers, and uncovered transportation of concrete, all contributing to high dust levels.
“Despite giving them sufficient time to comply, these plants failed to follow norms. Hence, we have taken strict action under Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981,” an MPCB official told Hindustan Times. Plants receiving show cause notices have been given 7 to 15 days to comply or face further legal action.
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The demand for concrete has increased due to rapid urbanization in Pune. While some RMC plants operate legally, many function without proper permissions and violate pollution norms.
Residents have long complained about air and noise pollution caused by these plants. Protests were held demanding action. In response, both the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) had previously issued warnings. However, as violations continued, MPCB launched this large-scale survey to discipline erring plants and ensure compliance.
The crackdown is expected to continue in the coming days.
