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PMC Issues Stop-Work Notices to Pune Developers Over Dust Pollution Violations

Following persistent complaints from residents, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued stop-work notices to 158 real estate developers for failing to control dust pollution and violating Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) guidelines. Pune currently has around 10,000 active construction projects, many of which have not adhered to environmental regulations, leading to strict action by the civic authorities. Previously, on February 21, PMC had served similar notices to 208 developers. Out of these, only 50 complied with the requirements and were subsequently allowed to resume construction. For the remaining non-compliant projects, the authority has reissued the notice, demanding a comprehensive on-site report to determine further action. Developers have been instructed to suspend their construction activities as they are found in violation of MPCB norms. Civic officials have been directed to take action under Section 267 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act and Section 54 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. This crackdown stems from a survey conducted by PMC engineers between January 12 and 18 across Zones I to IV, which identified alarming levels of dust pollution at various construction sites. Several areas, including Lohegaon, Hadapsar, Keshav Nagar, Undri, and Pisoli under Zone IV, were found to be major violators of pollution control norms. Concerned citizens and social activists, such as Jaymala Dhankikar, have urged the authorities to implement a stricter approach against errant developers. She has also called upon the MPCB to conduct regular inspections of construction sites to ensure adherence to pollution control measures and environmental laws. The PMC s decision to issue these warnings reflects growing concerns over environmental non-compliance in Pune s real estate sector. While the enforcement of such regulations may increase construction costs and delay project timelines, compliance remains crucial to balancing urban development with environmental sustainability.