Pune: In response to the alarming levels of air pollution in Pune, surpassing even major cities like Mumbai, the state’s Department of Environment and Climate Change has issued comprehensive guidelines to address the issue. The focus of these directives is on controlling dust particles, particularly during the winter season, when pollution tends to spike.
Key measures outlined in the guidelines include the mandatory use of smog gun water sprinklers during construction activities to prevent dust spills. For construction projects exceeding 50 metres in height and spanning over 1 acre of land, it is advised to erect a 25-metre-high sheet around the site. Pune, with its ongoing construction projects, including flyovers and metro developments, is especially urged to adhere to these guidelines.
To combat dangerous dust emissions, the department mandates the covering of ongoing construction, demolition, and project work with wet green cloth, wet jute cloth, or tarpaulin sheets. Construction workers are now required to wear masks and goggles on-site. Additionally, soil, gravel, and sand at construction sites must be adequately covered to prevent particulate matter from dispersing into the air.
Stringent measures are also in place for work sites such as flyovers, where a minimum of 20 feet of barricading is required. Vehicles found violating these regulations will be impounded, with instructions for compliance communicated directly to builders. Immediate on-site inspections will be conducted to ensure the implementation of these measures. Non-compliance may result in the halting or sealing of construction projects.
