Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated measures to control dust pollution caused by ongoing construction and development activities across the city. Three "fogger" trucks, purchased three years ago but left unused, will now be deployed for this purpose.

The trucks, acquired under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) at a cost of ₹1.02 crore, will operate for the next two years, with the initiative estimated to cost ₹84.90 lakh.

Construction of flyovers, metro lines, and roads, as well as the movement of vehicles carrying building materials, has significantly increased dust levels in the city, causing inconvenience to residents. The Standing Committee recently approved the use of these fogger trucks to alleviate the problem.

The initiative will initially focus on three major routes with high dust levels:

• Katraj-Kondhwa Road

• IT Park Road in Kharadi

• Handewadi to Phursungi Garbage Depot stretch

How It Works:

• Each truck is fitted with a 7,000-liter water tank and 16 spray nozzles.

• Nozzles spray water from four points at the front, two on each side, and four on each side of the top.

• The water spray helps settle dust particles, reducing pollution and improving air quality.

The trucks are designed to clean a 10-kilometer stretch on each route, covering sidewalks and road dividers, totaling approximately 40 kilometers. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce dust levels on busy city roads and improve overall air quality for residents.