Restrictions on fuel vehicles in PCMC’s draft proposal to monitor air pollution

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s draft proposal for a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) includes restrictions on petrol-diesel vehicles and higher parking costs at commercial establishments with the goal of lowering air pollution in the twin cities.

According to a senior PCMC official, the civic body is looking to allow only electric vehicles in the areas with extremely poor air quality, in contrast to Delhi’s odd-even rule to reduce the number of vehicles on roads.

When Pimpri Chinchwad was named as one of Maharashtra’s most polluted cities in November of last year, the twin cities’ civic authorities decided to stop construction work.

The GRAP draft proposal was posted on the official website of the civic body so that people could comment on it and voice any concerns between December 5 and December 19.

According to a PCMC representative, they are currently reviewing the input from the public. They are almost done with the final proposal. The general body will consider it before granting final approval.

Based on air quality, PCMC’s GRAP has been split into four distinct phases. In addition to putting the phased measures into effect, the civic body has suggested stiffening the penalties for citizens who violate pollution standards. The current PCMC fine for spitting in public or open defecation is Rs 1,000; the proposed increase to Rs 1,100 will apply. In a similar vein, the fine for breaking MPCB regulations at building sites will go from Rs 10 per square meter to Rs 100/1 square meter of built-up area.

https://www.pcmcindia.gov.in/admin/cms_upload/submission/4444348681701775295.pdf