Pune: PCMC Issues Guidelines to Tackle Air Pollution from Construction Projects

Pimpri, 9th November 2023: To combat the air pollution caused by ongoing construction activities in the city, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner Shekhar Singh has issued a set of guidelines and emphasized the necessity of their strict implementation. All builders must adhere to these instructions, with consequences for those who fail to comply.

The PCMC has introduced a series of guidelines aimed at mitigating air pollution. These include specific requirements for different types of construction projects:

1. For buildings with a height exceeding 70 meters within municipal limits, a 35-foot high metal sheet enclosure is mandatory.
2. For construction projects on plots larger than 1 acre, a 35-foot high metal sheet should surround the plot.
3. Projects on plots smaller than 1 acre require a 25-foot high metal sheet.
4. All buildings under construction must have their sides covered with green cloth or jute sheet tarpaulin.
5. During demolition work, construction sites should be covered with green cloth, jute sheet covers, or tarpaulin.
6. Water should be sprayed during the demolition process.
7. Water fogging is required during the loading and unloading of construction materials to mitigate airborne particles that contribute to air pollution.

The guidelines also extend to the safety and protection of construction workers and the environment:

1. Construction workers and managers are obligated to wear masks, goggles, and helmets.
2. A 25-foot barricade must be erected on the sides of bridges and flyovers under construction.
3. All metro works in progress on the ground must have 25-feet-high barricading.
4. Vehicles with tracking systems must be used for transporting construction materials.
5. Soil, sand, and construction materials should be placed in designated areas.
6. Strict punitive measures will be taken against those who dump construction materials on open spaces and public roads.
7. A complete ban on the open burning of garbage is in effect.

PCMC has made it clear that these guidelines apply to all construction projects, including those managed by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority
(PMRDA), Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), Indian Railways, and other Government organizations. The emphasis on stricter measures highlights the city’s commitment to mitigating air pollution and promoting cleaner construction practices. Builders and stakeholders are expected to adhere to these guidelines to protect the environment and public health.