Pune: PCMC Seals 9 RMC Plants for Violating Environmental Norms
Pune, November 17, 2025: The PCMC environmental norms violation crackdown has intensified after the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation sealed nine ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants in Tathawade, Punawale, Pimple Nilakh and Moshi. These units were found operating without the systems needed to control dust and emissions.
The action came after the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board flagged 30 RMC units functioning without proper pollution-control measures. Following this, PCMC’s nuisance detection squad inspected several sites under the Graded Response Action Plan and found serious lapses.
Why the RMC Plants Were Sealed
Officials discovered that many plants lacked basic dust mitigation systems such as water sprinklers. Several were conducting mixing operations in the open, and vehicles transporting gravel and sand were moving without tarpaulin covers. This caused dust to spread across nearby areas, worsening air quality.
Residents in Wakad had recently raised complaints about rising dust levels and debris spilling on roads from RMC vehicles. They stated that the situation had become unsafe, especially for two-wheeler riders.
PCMC’s Stand on Environmental Violations
Additional municipal commissioner Vijaykumar Khorate said that PCMC would not show leniency toward establishments breaking pollution rules. Strict action will continue as part of the ongoing campaign under GRAP.
Last month, MPCB also revised the guidelines for RMC plants. Newly proposed plants must not be located within 200 metres of schools, colleges, hospitals with 50 or more beds, and courts. Existing plants were instructed to ensure complete enclosure within one month.
Air Quality Declines in Pimpri Chinchwad
According to Central Pollution Control Board data, Pimpri Chinchwad’s air quality index worsened significantly over the past week. The average daily AQI rose from the satisfactory range in early November to the poor category by November 15. Civic officials say rapid construction activity and pollution from RMC plants are major contributors to this decline.
