Pune: Undri Residents Raise Alarm Over Illegal RMC Plants Threatening Health, Water and Environment

Renuka Suryavanshi 

Pune, August 20, 2025: Residents of three major residential societies in Undri – Godrej Prana, Tata Inora Park, and Godrej Greens – comprising over 5,000 families, have raised strong objections against the unchecked rise of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants in their locality. Through the Undri Townhall Forum, residents have alleged that these plants are posing grave risks to the environment, public health, and the ecological balance of the area.

According to the forum, three RMC plants have been operating at full capacity for the past six months, while a fourth is under construction. Locals fear that more may follow if immediate intervention is not taken.

Residents point out that despite being part of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Undri has no formal water supply system. Families rely heavily on groundwater and private tankers for their daily needs. The RMC plants, they allege, are depleting the already scarce groundwater and severely damaging the Autade Wadi Lake — a natural lifeline that also serves as a habitat for several endangered bird and aquatic species.

In addition, residents complain that the continuous movement of heavy cement dumpers through internal residential roads is not only damaging road infrastructure but also endangering children, senior citizens, and daily commuters. Air pollution from dust and smoke emissions is another pressing concern, with families reporting rising cases of respiratory issues and allergies.

The forum has questioned the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) over the approvals granted for such hazardous plants in a densely populated residential area. “Were residents consulted? Was any environmental or social impact study conducted?” the forum asked.

Residents have demanded immediate accountability and strict action from the MPCB, PMC, and concerned authorities to halt the operations of these illegal RMC plants and safeguard the area’s health and environment.

Adv Krrunal Gharre shares insights on what citizens living around RMC plants should know and how they can raise complaints.

RMC Plant Regulations: A Citizen’s Guide

Required Permissions

• An NOC or permission from the local governing body (PMC, PCMC, PMRDA) is mandatory.
• A valid Consent to Operate from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is required.
• Operating only with a Consent to Establish (without final Consent to Operate) is illegal.

Key Operating Rules

• Must be at least 100m away from residential areas and major roads.
• Must be at least 200m away from schools, colleges, hospitals, and courts.
• Plant must have a 20-foot high boundary wall.
• Raw materials (sand, gravel, etc.) must be covered; open storage is illegal.
• Conveyor belts must be enclosed.
• Functional water sprinklers/dust suppression systems must be in place.
• A tyre-washing facility at the exit is mandatory.
• Wastewater must be treated and reused – zero discharge outside.
• Operations are only allowed between 6 AM – 10 PM.

Common Violations to Watch For

• Dust clouds escaping the site.
• Open piles of sand or gravel.
• No sprinklers running for dust control.
• Trucks leaving with dirty, unwashed tyres.
• Wastewater or concrete slurry flowing into drains/roads.
• Noisy operations beyond permitted hours.

Where to Complain

• Pollution issues (dust, water, noise): Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) – website, regional office, or email: [email protected] / [email protected]
• Illegal construction/local nuisance: Local body (PMC, PCMC) or planning authority (PMRDA).

He further stated, “Many citizens have already raised complaints but no effective action has been taken. Since this is a serious environmental hazard, we will be escalating this issue city-wide with the National Green Tribunal (NGT).”  

Citizens are requested to kindly forward copies of their complaints, along with photos/videos, to Pune Pulse too on [email protected] so that we can present the issues to the MPCB authorities too.