Pune: Tempers Flare in Bavdhan as Residents Take to Streets Against Pollution Caused by RMC Plants
Tempers ran high in Pune’s Bavdhan locality on Sunday as angry residents took to the streets, demanding the shutdown of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants allegedly causing severe pollution in the area. Leading a ‘rasta roko’ protest and marching towards the industrial units, citizens voiced their frustration against dust, noise, and constant heavy vehicle movement that has turned daily life into a struggle, while issuing a pointed message about governance and accountability .
Residents Allege Severe Health and Environmental Impact
The protest, led by local corporator Kiran Dagade, saw a large number of residents gather to highlight what they describe as unchecked industrial activity in a residential zone . Locals allege that as many as six RMC plants are functioning in the locality, triggering severe pollution and a host of environmental and health concerns . Demonstrators expressed concerns over rising dust pollution and the environmental impact caused by the continuous movement of heavy RMC vehicles through narrow residential roads, particularly around Omkar Garden Chowk .
Advocate Krunnal Gharre, who has been following up on the issue with several government departments, said residents have repeatedly complained about dust pollution and possible environmental violations by the RMC units. He added that despite earlier assurances from authorities, stricter implementation of environmental regulations is required to protect public health . Residents have reported mobile app AQI readings surpassing 300 at times, highlighting the severity of the air quality crisis .
Regulatory Context: MPCB’s 20-Day Deadline
The protest comes just weeks after the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) issued a stern warning to RMC plant owners in Bavdhan Budruk. In a meeting held on February 14, 2026, the MPCB instructed the owners of the six RMC plants to adhere to the latest pollution control guidelines within 20 days or face strict legal action .
Babasaheb Kukade, MPCB Regional Officer, confirmed that the board was verifying whether the plants had their papers in order. “We gave them 20 days to ensure that they follow all the guidelines issued in the Oct 17, 2025, MPCB guidelines for RMC plants. All of them are legal, but we are checking their paperwork to see if anything is missing or not renewed. If they don’t comply, strict action according to law will be taken against them,” Kukade had stated .
According to the revised MPCB guidelines for RMC plants issued on October 17, 2025, the particulate matter levels at the plot boundary must not exceed 100 µg/m³ for PM10 and 60 µg/m³ for PM2.5. The guidelines mandate water sprinkler systems inside the plant to curb air pollution and fogging systems near dust-generating sources. Plants, as well as their different units within, should be covered on all sides, and vehicles coming out of plants must be thoroughly cleaned .
Residents: “We Are Not Against Business, But Health Cannot Be Compromised”
Advocate Gharre, who attended the MPCB meeting, made it clear that residents were not against business but needed the businesses to ensure they did not harm public health and safety. “We want them to meet the AQI and all other pollution control parameters,” he said .
Gharre noted that while the traffic police had barred heavy vehicles from using the Omkar Garden Chowk during peak hours, it was not a permanent solution. “The problem is the insufficient carriageway on the existing road and the lack of an alternative road. We need the road to be widened and an alternative road to facilitate the growing traffic. We also told RMC owners to directly engage with the community so that problems could be easily solved,” he added .
History of Allegations and Inaction
This is not the first time Bavdhan residents have raised their voice against RMC plants operating in their backyard. Reports from late 2025 indicate that residents had accused the MPCB, PMRDA, and the District Collector’s Office of ignoring illegal RMC plants in the area .
According to residents, seven RMC plants had continued to operate in Bavdhan in close proximity to residential and defence-sensitive zones, causing severe air pollution and posing serious health risks for over 10,000 people living in the vicinity. Despite complaints filed with authorities – including over 25 emails, 35 follow-ups, and several formal letters – residents claimed no decisive action was taken .
Residents had alleged that during an air quality inspection by an MPCB monitoring van, RMC operators deliberately sprayed water near the vehicle to artificially lower pollution readings, yet no corrective action was taken by authorities despite the incident being reported . Advocate Gharre had previously expressed frustration, stating, “It is disheartening that citizens have to beg for their basic right to clean air while authorities turn a blind eye towards the issue. No action means the board is indirectly supporting these plants” .
Governance Failure at the Heart of Protests
Sunday’s demonstration served as a stark reminder that residents are no longer willing to silently endure the environmental burden. Protesters said the agitation was not just about pollution—it was about governance and accountability. Their message was clear and pointed: when citizens are forced to shout on the streets just to be heard, it reflects a failure of administration and governance.
With the 20-day MPCB deadline now elapsed, residents are watching closely to see whether regulatory authorities will take concrete action or if yet another official directive will fade into inaction. Their demand remains simple yet urgent—shut down the polluting RMC plants and restore a healthier living environment for Bavdhan.
