PCMC Residents Demand Strict SOP and Public Hearing on RMC Plants Amid Rising Pollution Concerns
“Residents Demand Strict SOP and ‘Zero-Dust’ Rules for RMC Plants”
Pimpri-Chinchwad: Growing anger is brewing among residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad over the unchecked rise of Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants in rapidly developing suburban areas such as Wakad, Punawale, Tathawade, Kiwale, and Ravet. Alleging severe environmental violations and hazardous air pollution, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation (PCCHSF) has submitted a strong representation to top state and civic authorities demanding immediate intervention.
The letter has been addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with senior administrative officials including the Pune Divisional Commissioner, Pune District Collector, PCMC Commissioner, PMRDA Commissioner, and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner.
In the representation, PCCHSF President Shri Sachin Londhe highlighted that while citizens support urban development, the negligent functioning of many RMC plants is severely affecting public health and the environment. Residents claim that dust emissions from these plants have reached alarming levels, leading to respiratory illnesses among children and senior citizens.
The federation has demanded the formulation of a strict and transparent Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate the functioning of all RMC plants operating within and around residential zones. According to the federation, the SOP must ensure “Zero-Dust Operations” and make it mandatory for plants to install advanced pollution-control systems such as sedimentation chambers, enclosed material handling systems, and industrial dust suppressors.
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The organization has also strongly urged the authorities to conduct a public hearing before finalizing any policy framework, allowing citizens, environmental experts, and local stakeholders to present their concerns and recommendations.
Among the major demands raised by the federation are:
* Mandatory dust-free operations with complete prohibition on open-air particulate emissions.
* Installation of sedimentation chambers, industrial sprinklers, and enclosed infrastructure.
* Strict enforcement of all Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) norms.
* Creation of safe buffer zones between RMC plants and residential societies.
* Regulation of RMC tanker movement and strict penalties for road safety violations.
* Proper systems for water recycling and scientific waste disposal.
* Immediate cancellation of licenses and heavy fines for environmental violations.
* Establishment of a dedicated grievance helpline for citizens.
The federation warned that failure to act promptly could worsen environmental degradation and public health risks across Pimpri-Chinchwad’s fast-growing residential belt. “A public hearing will help citizens voice their daily struggles and ensure that future policies prioritize people over profit,” the representation stated. Residents are now awaiting a decisive response from the administration as concerns over pollution and urban planning continue to intensify in the PCMC region.
“Development should not come at the cost of citizens’ health. RMC plants must operate under strict ‘Zero-Dust’ norms, and the voices of residents must be heard through a transparent public hearing process.”
– Sachin Londhe,
Pimpri-Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation (PCCHSF)
