PUNE: Over 40% of construction sites and other establishments in the twin cities have been found in violation of various norms related to air pollution. The facts came to the fore after checks by 32 dedicated squads formed by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) in 16 wards to take action in this regard.
There are 1,000-1,500 ongoing constructions in Pimpri Chinchwad. A total of 1,401 sites have been checked by the squads from November 8-22, while notices have been served to 625 site owners and fines of Rs 56,09,104 recovered.
Construction site owners have been instructed by officials to continue fogging and appropriate measures during work to maintain air quality.
An official highlighted some common violations noticed during inspections and said, “Construction building premises must be covered with 35ft or 25ft-tall tin shades according to the rules, but these are often missing. A fine of Rs 10 per square metre is imposed on construction site owners for the total area where the violation is seen. Many times, green netting and water sprinklers are also not found.”
Many sites were penalized twice for not taking measures, despite an earlier warning, the official added. The squads comprise members including sanitary inspectors, beat inspectors, deputy engineers, as well as Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) personnel.
The initiative is being implemented jointly by the environment and building permission departments of PCMC.
The civic body ranked among the most polluted cities in the state earlier this month, after which strict measures.
