PMC workers carry out demolition drive in Dhayari RMC plant
Furthermore, the state environment department replied to a query raised by MLCs during the last monsoon session, stating that 28 ready-mix concrete plants in Pune were being shut down over compliance issues.
The drive was undertaken following complaints from residents regarding pollution caused by these plants, according to civic officials. The drive will continue in the days to come,” said Somnath Bankar, head of PMC’s anti-encroachment department. The administration must dismantle these facilities and shift them outside the civic limits,” said Rajendra Patil of RMC Virodhi Kruti Samiti, a citizens’ group fighting against illegal RMC plants. Many plants operate not only during the day but also at night, leading to severe air and noise pollution, according to residents. Factors such as the setting time of the mixed concrete should be considered before taking any final decisions regarding the RMC plants, according to developers. the solution should not create hurdles for real estate development in the city,” said Nitin Deshpande, president of Marathi Bandhkam Vyavsayik Association While the pollution issues must be resolved.
The illegal structures across six plants were demolished during the drive. “The plants were not operating in accordance with due process, and the operators had not obtained the necessary permissions. However, residents claim that the action is merely eyewash, carried out as a formality, and argue that stringent action must be taken to resolve the issue permanently. “The administration must demolish the equipment and setups that are actually causing pollution. The civic body is not taking strict action against these plants. Ready-mix concrete must reach the construction site from the plant within two hours of mixing. “An SOP should be framed that is beneficial to both citizens and RMC operators. The plants faced action for various violations, mostly related to regulatory non-compliance, while others were closed for operating illegally. Authorities also noted that many of these RMC units were significantly worsening the local air quality index (AQI).