PMC Issues Stop-Work Notices to 158 Builders Over Dust Pollution Violations in Key Pune Areas
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Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued stop-work notices to 158 real estate developers for failing to control dust pollution at their construction sites. The action follows repeated complaints from citizens about the increasing pollution caused by construction activities.
Earlier, on February 21, PMC had initially issued notices to 208 realtors, instructing them to adhere to dust control measures. Out of these, 50 developers complied with the guidelines and were granted permission by the building permission department to continue construction. The remaining 158 developers have now been served stop-work notices.
A survey conducted by PMC engineers between January 12 and 18 across zones I to VI identified multiple construction sites violating dust control regulations. The most affected areas, where the highest number of stop-work notices were issued, include Lohegaon, Hadapsar, Keshav Nagar, Undri, and Pisoli under zone VI.
Commenting on the action, Rajesh Bankar, Superintendent Engineer of PMC’s Building Permission Department, stated, “We had served notices to 208 projects causing dust pollution. Around 50 have complied, and we have allowed them to proceed with their work. For the remaining violators, stop-work notices have been issued, and a detailed on-site report has been sought before further action is taken.”
Pune currently has over 10,000 active construction projects, many of which are not implementing effective dust control measures. Despite repeated assurances from builders to follow MPCB guidelines, significant lapses continue to be observed. As a result, the municipal commissioner has empowered officials to take stringent action against violators, warning that continued violations could lead to police action.
Social Activists demands issuing fines and legal notices to offenders, conducting regular inspections, ensuring the implementation of dust control measures, and prosecuting those who continue to violate environmental norms.
The PMC has reiterated its commitment to enforcing dust pollution regulations and taking necessary legal steps against non-compliant builders to mitigate environmental hazards in the city.
