MPCB Issues Closure Notice to 11 Ready-Mix Concrete Units

In an ongoing survey of all ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities to check for any air pollution caused and environmental norms violated by these plants, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued closure notices to at least 11 plants and show cause notices to around 17 plants for not complying with the environmental norms.

- Gayatri Vajpeyee

PUNE: The survey was initiated on March 15 and so far, MPCB officials have visited nearly 100 RMC plants to check whether they are violating consent norms and causing air pollution in the atmosphere.

About the action, J.S. Salunkhe, regional officer, MPCB, said, "The board has observed that PM (particulate matter) 2.5 and PM 10 levels have increased significantly in many areas in both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities. This rise has resulted in an increase in air pollution. We have also observed that dust is the main source of the rise in PM 2.5 level. While there are many activities contributing to a rise in dust particles, RMC plants are among the higher contributors which is why we are focused on taking action against them. Hence, a large drive has been organised and a survey has been initiated from March this year. So far, nearly 65 to 70% of the survey has been completed. The drive will continue further."