In a positive turn of events for Pimpri Chinchwad, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has officially lifted the temporary construction ban imposed earlier to combat air pollution. The ban, in effect from November 13 to November 19, yielded tangible improvements in air quality, thanks to stringent measures against violators implemented by the Municipal Corporation.
The initial construction ban was a response to a petition filed in the Bombay High Court addressing air pollution concerns. Following the court’s order, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board devised a Graded Response Action Plan, swiftly implemented by Commissioner Shekhar Singh. This plan mandated the closure of all construction activities and enforced noise and dust control measures at construction sites.
Identifying large construction projects as major contributors to air and noise pollution, the Municipal Corporation is now taking a comprehensive approach to address air quality concerns across the city.
Key Measures Implemented by the Municipal Corporation:
- Funds Allocation: Utilizing funds sanctioned by the 15th Central Finance Commission for air quality improvement, conservation, water supply management, and solid waste management.
- City Action Plan: Approval of the Municipal Corporation’s City Action Plan under the National Clean Air Mission by the Central Pollution Control Board.
- Road Cleaning: Regular cleaning of city roads using two vehicles equipped with road washer systems to reduce dust particles.
- Movable Fog Cannon Dust Suppression System: Installation of this system on five vehicles to suppress dust at main intersections and reduce air pollution.
- AQI Improvement: Sprinkling water on construction sites and vehicles, coupled with construction site closures, leading to a significant drop in the Air Quality Index (AQI) over the last three days.
While the construction ban has been lifted due to the success of these measures, Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasizes caution. Construction companies are instructed to monitor air quality levels and implement necessary measures to prevent any deterioration in AQI levels.
The Commissioner has outlined specific remedies for construction companies, including planting tall leafy boundaries, preventing dust pollution on unpaved roads, using tarpaulin on construction exteriors, and maintaining sound levels within prescribed limits.
