Pimpri Chinchwad Civic Body Seals 14 RMC Plants for Violation of Pollution Norms

Pune, April 23: A senior PCMC official said nuisance squad teams inspected over 60 RMC plants during the drive.

Violations Found

• Absence of dust suppression systems

• Lack of regular water sprinkling

• Open storage of raw materials

• Failure to implement basic dust control measures (including displays showing AQI)

Action Taken

• 14 plants: Immediately sealed (serious violations)

• 7 plants: Issued warnings and directed to comply

Legal Basis

Action is being taken in accordance with guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on October 17, 2025.

Key MPCB Norms for RMC Plants

• Clearance: Orange category

• Distance requirements: 200 metres from schools, hospitals, courts; 50 metres from residential areas

• Operations: Fully enclosed; covered storage of raw materials, silos, conveyors, mixing units

• Mandatory: Regular water sprinkling, dust collection systems, green belts, paved internal roads, tyre-washing facilities, CCTV surveillance, GPS tracking

• Operating hours (outside industrial zones): 6 am to 10 pm

Official Statements

Yogesh Alhat, executive engineer in PCMC environment department: "No further notices are being issued to plants found violating norms during inspection drives. They are directly being sealed and similar action will continue in the future."

Sanjay Kulkarni, city engineer and head of PCMC's environment department: "RMC plants and construction projects are required to implement necessary measures for dust control. Immediate action is being taken against violators without any compromise."