Pune: PMC Targets Pollution At Traffic Hotspots With Innovative Fountain Solution

Pune, 15th November 2023: In response to the escalating pollution levels in Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated measures to curb the adverse effects on air quality. As part of these efforts, the PMC plans to install fountains at 20 strategic locations across the city, focusing on major traffic intersections. The PMC administration asserts that these fountains will play a crucial role in mitigating dust particles and contributing to improved air quality.

Concerns about deteriorating air quality have been raised not only by local authorities but also by the Bombay High Court, which recently directed municipal corporations, including Pune, to take immediate and effective steps to address the growing pollution crisis.

While Pune’s air quality remains relatively controlled compared to some other cities, the municipal administration is proactively implementing measures in line with guidelines provided by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. The selected locations for the installation of fountains include prominent intersections such as Sancheti Chowk, Jungli Maharaj Road, Yerwada Chowk, Lokmanya Tilak Chowk, Shaniwarwada Chowk, and Swargate Chowk—key areas with heavy traffic flow.

The administration’s rationale is rooted in the idea that these fountains will aid in settling dust particles, particularly in densely populated and trafficked areas. The decision to install fountains has been carefully studied, taking into consideration the dynamics of traffic intersections and their potential impact on air quality improvement.

In addition to the fountain initiative, the PMC is actively working on implementing a comprehensive pollution control strategy. This includes a shift towards eco-friendly vehicles, with the municipal corporation adopting a policy to purchase vehicles running on natural fuel, such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electricity. The move extends to municipal officers who now have access to electric cars as part of the effort to reduce emissions from official vehicles.

Moreover, to incentivize the transition to cleaner fuels, the PMC is offering funds to encourage the conversion of traditional rickshaws to CNG. This multi-faceted approach aims to address pollution from various sources and create a sustainable and healthier environment for Pune residents.

As the fountains are set to become a visible symbol of the city’s commitment to combat pollution, residents hope these initiatives will contribute to a significant improvement in air quality and overall environmental well-being. The PMC is actively monitoring the situation and plans to assess the impact of these measures on pollution levels in the coming months.