In a decisive move to combat air pollution and uphold environmental standards, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued closure notices to seven ready-mix concrete plants in Pune for violating pollution regulations.
Ravindra Andhale, Regional Officer of MPCB Pune, confirmed the issuance of closure notices, stating, “Seven ready-mix plants have been served closure notices, while notices have been issued to seven others. Site visits to three additional ready-mix plants are scheduled to be conducted soon.”
The crackdown comes in response to mounting complaints from residents regarding deteriorating air quality, particularly in areas surrounding the ready-mix plants. Since the beginning of March, the district has been the focal point of MPCB’s enforcement efforts, with Tathawade, Nande, and Marunji among the areas affected by plant closures.
The violations primarily relate to failure to comply with regulations such as barricading the area above the free fall air emission zone and refraining from using chemical dust stabilizers or water sprinkling inside the ready-mix concrete plants. These breaches have raised concerns about respiratory health hazards among nearby communities.
MPCB officials have conducted thorough investigations into various aspects of the infractions, including the operation of conveyor belts, movement of concrete, and dust emissions at specific plants. Multiple teams have been deployed across the district to ensure comprehensive scrutiny.
Emphasizing the board’s commitment to enforcement, an MPCB official stated that stringent measures would be taken to prevent the operation of these plants until they fully comply with regulatory requirements. The plants have been given seven days to respond to the closure notices.
The persistent complaints from locals about the declining air quality underscore the urgency of addressing environmental violations and enforcing stringent regulations to safeguard public health and well-being.
