Pune: PMC Restricts Construction Hours to Curb Rising Air and Noise Pollution
PUNE – In a significant move to tackle the city’s deteriorating air quality and rising noise levels, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has officially restricted construction activities within city limits. Effective immediately, all construction and excavation work is permitted only between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
The directive, issued via an official circular by City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar following approval from the Municipal Commissioner on March 18, 2026, comes in response to mounting complaints from residents regarding health hazards and environmental degradation.
Impact on Air Quality and Health
The civic body noted that large-scale building projects and excavations across the city have contributed significantly to the falling Air Quality Index (AQI). Activities extending into the early morning and late night hours have been identified as primary drivers of both dust and noise pollution.
“It has been observed that ongoing construction is causing serious health impacts on citizens,” the circular stated. By limiting the operational window, the PMC aims to provide residents with much-needed relief from the constant influx of pollutants and high-decibel disturbances during rest hours.
Strict Enforcement and Compliance
The new timing regulations apply to all types of construction projects within the PMC jurisdiction. To ensure long-term compliance, the administration has integrated these hours into the official building permit process:
- Mandatory Clauses: New construction commencement certificates will now explicitly include the 7 AM to 9 PM restriction.
- Strict Implementation: All department heads, ward officers, and assistant commissioners have been directed to enforce the circular strictly.
- Industry Notification: Copies of the order have been sent to major industry bodies, including CREDAI Pune, NAREDCO, and the Marathi Bandhkam Vy व्यावसायिक Sanghatana, to ensure developers adhere to the new schedule.
Residents who observe violations of these timings are encouraged to report them to their respective regional ward offices.
