Pune : MPCB takes action against stone crushing plants due to deteriorating air quality

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) launched a district-wide special campaign against ready-mix concrete and stone crushing plants in response to the increasing pollution levels in Pune.

Beginning on Monday of this week, the MPCB conducted an inspection of these plants in the Maval and Hinjewadi areas.

The officials have inspected a total of 34 units, comprising 18 stone crushing plants and 16 ready-mix concrete plants.

In these areas, four stone-crushing businesses have received closure notices from the MPCB. Six stone crushing plants have received show cause notices, and eight of these plants have received proposed directives.

In addition, authorities said that starting next week, 16 Hinjewadi ready-mix concrete plants would face consequences.

The MPCB regional officer has received the proposal, notifying the officials. Nonetheless, considering the extensive ongoing action, the developers are probably going to be impacted.

According to a senior MPCB official in Pune, priority plant inspections have begun in areas where the board has received complaints from locals. Inspections have first been conducted in the Maval and Hinjewadi areas. Inspections are scheduled for next week in Bavadi, Wagholi, and Lonikand. Every one of these plants will be examined throughout the district.

Officials report that among the infractions, the stone crushers were discovered to be running without sprinklers, releasing dust into the air as a result of the stone crushing process.

In addition, these units lacked an internal tar road and did not perform tire washing for vehicles in transit.

Moreover, the plant’s dust collectors were absent. The officials claimed that there was severe air pollution as a result of the rules being broken.