Pune district administration have decided to introduce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants within the next three weeks in view of rising pollution levels in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
District Collector Jitendra Dudi announced the decision after a high-level meeting held at the Collector’s office on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi, senior police and traffic officials, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) representatives, and members of the Pune District Ready-Mix Concrete Plant Association.
The administration has also planned to identify pollution-free 'core zones' for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad over the next four to six months as part of a larger effort to control air pollution and improve urban management.
Collector Dudi said the administration decided to frame SOPs after observing that RMC plants contribute to air pollution and traffic congestion in the rapidly growing urban region.
He stated that authorized RMC plants complying with regulations will be allowed to operate with certain conditions until the SOPs are implemented, while illegal plants will face strict action and closure.
Authorities have also introduced temporary traffic regulations for RMC transport vehicles. Except for designated red-zone areas, RMC transportation will be fully allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
On the remaining four days of the week, RMC vehicles will be permitted only between 11 am and 5 pm.
The administration has made it mandatory for RMC transport vehicles to display clear nameplates, install cameras, and strictly follow all operational rules issued by authorities until the final SOPs are brought into force.