Pollution Crackdown: 14 Concrete Plants Sealed in Pune

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has intensified its crackdown on air pollution, sealing 14 Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants between April 17 and 21. This special drive targeted establishments failing to comply with environmental regulations. During inspections of over 60 RMC plants, enforcement teams found serious violations, leading to the immediate sealing of 14 units. Seven other plants received warnings and directives to rectify their non-compliance issues.

Key violations included the absence of essential dust suppression systems, inadequate water sprinkling, open storage of raw materials, and a general failure to implement basic dust control measures. These actions are in line with stringent guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on October 17, 2025, which mandate strict operational standards for RMC plants. PCMC has emphasized that non-compliant plants will be sealed directly, with similar enforcement continuing.

The revised MPCB norms require RMC plants to obtain Orange category clearance, maintain significant distances from sensitive locations like schools and hospitals, and operate as fully enclosed facilities. Mandatory measures include covered storage, dust collection systems, green belts, and internal paving. Furthermore, compliance with air quality standards (PM10, PM2.5), wastewater treatment, and adherence to noise and waste management rules are critical. Plants outside industrial zones face operating hour restrictions.

This drive follows an earlier sealing of 16 RMC plants this year. PCMC is also working to consolidate data on all RMC plants, many of which are temporarily set up for construction projects. The civic body is committed to ensuring dust control measures are implemented at all construction sites and RMC plants, taking immediate action against violators without compromise.