Rising Air Pollution In 34 Pune Villages Sparks Demands For Action
Rising Air Pollution In 34 Pune Villages Sparks Demands For Action
Pune – The inclusion of 34 villages, including Dhayari and Nanded, into the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) a decade ago has not alleviated their air pollution woes. Dust clouds from stone quarry operations, transportation of construction materials, and large-scale infrastructure projects continue to blanket roads, residential areas, and societies, causing a decline in air quality and endangering public health.
In response, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) Regional Officer Kartikeya Langote has directed PMC’s health, environment, and construction departments to take immediate corrective measures. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Pune City President Dhananjay Benkar, has been actively pursuing this issue, emphasizing the health risks posed by particulate matter.
Benkar highlighted the deteriorating air quality and its effects: “Residents and commuters face respiratory issues and other serious ailments. Dust from stone quarries and construction material transport has blanketed the 34 villages. Fruit orchards, gardens, trees, and agricultural produce have been severely impacted, with vegetation covered in layers of white dust.”
The MPCB, citing its environmental guidelines issued on October 27, 2023, has urged authorities to inspect pollution levels in these areas and take prompt action. However, negligence by the PMC and environmental authorities has exacerbated the problem, raising concerns among residents and activists.
AAP has demanded strict action against the responsible departments and individuals, including dismissal of negligent officials. They have warned of an intensified public movement if effective measures to control pollution and improve air quality are not implemented immediately.
