Pune, Feb 25: Pune currently has over 18,000 authorized construction projects underway. However, as per municipal regulations, only 678 projects were required to have pollution sensors installed. Of these, so far, sensors have been installed at only 153 locations, less than 1% of all construction projects in the city.
Amid serious air pollution concerns, it has emerged that thousands of construction projects are operating without proper monitoring. Following this revelation, Mayor Manjusha Nagpure has issued orders to mandate sensor installation at all construction sites.
To control air pollution at construction sites, Pune Municipal Corporation organized a workshop for construction professionals, municipal staff, and officials. During this workshop, guidance was provided to install sensors under the National Clean Air Programme, called the “Construction Emission Monitoring System,” which measures dust levels. Mayor Nagpure briefed the media about this initiative. Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B. P. and Deputy Commissioner Kishori Shinde were present.
Mayor Nagpure stated: “Sensors measuring air quality will be installed at construction sites with built-up areas exceeding 5,000 square meters. So far, sensors have been installed at 175 sites, and the remaining sites will be covered soon. This will help monitor air quality at project sites through the municipal dashboard. Each sensor costs ₹60,000–70,000, which will be borne by the construction professionals. PM10 and PM2.5 pollution levels at construction sites will be continuously monitored. If pollution levels rise, alerts will be sent via SMS and email, and further action will be taken.”
Prithviraj B. P. added: “Among the city’s 678 construction projects, the built-up area exceeds 5,000 square meters. In the first phase, these projects will receive sensors. Later, implementation will extend to other construction sites.”
Mayor Urges Pollution Sensors for Smaller Construction Sites
Currently, only 678 out of 18,000 construction projects in Pune have installed air pollution sensors. Speaking on the issue, Mayor Nagpure said, “Monitoring a few projects is not enough to curb air pollution. The 5,000 sq. meter threshold must be lowered. Sensors should be mandatory for sites exceeding 1,000 sq. meters. Immediate action is needed.”
RMC Projects Overlooked
Today’s municipal meeting focused solely on construction-related pollution, leaving out ready-mix concrete (RMC) projects, which also contribute significantly to air pollution. The Mayor confirmed that separate meetings will be held with RMC operators to ensure sensor compliance.
Sensor Mandate Ignored
A circular issued on 17 December 2025 directed the construction department to install sensors within 15 days at sites over 5,000 sq. meters. However, most projects have failed to comply, leaving large portions of the city’s construction activity unmonitored.