Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders

The LED indicator installed at the construction site will display real-time air quality and help the engineers on site to take steps to reduce pollution.

The PMC order mandates installation for sites over 5,000 sq meters, threatening stop-work orders and penalties for non-compliance. (Source: Express Archives/ Representational)

With strict guidelines in place to bring a check on the growing air pollution in the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has directed builders undertaking ongoing and new constructions—residential or commercial—having built up area of 5,000 square metre or more to install air pollution sensors at the construction sites and connect it to a real-time dashboard of the civic body. Those failing to do so will have to stop work and would also be penalised.

In an order issued by the PMC on Monday, Additional Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B P said, “All the ongoing and upcoming construction activities in the city having a built up area of 5,000 sq metre or more should install air pollution monitoring system and LED signal indicators at the construction site within 15 days. The deadline will be applicable for all new upcoming sites for any work undertaken at the site.”

“If the directions of PMC are not followed, then the builder will be issued a showcause notice or stop work order, along with all possible legal action, including penalty,” he said.

The Indian Express, through its `Breatheless Pune’ series on rising air pollution in the city, highlighted the causes of air pollution and its impact on the health of citizens. The rise in PM2.5 and PM10 particles is leading to an increase in air pollution everywhere, with PM10 making up around 23 per cent of the dust particles. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued directions to take steps to control the dust emerging from construction activities.

The PMC had asked Pashan-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) to conduct a co-location study for the civic body and recommend appropriate air pollution sensors to be installed at construction sites across the city.

“The list of manufacturers, along with air pollution sensors available with them, have been finalised and made public. The builders should install only those sensors recommended in the list. The list of manufacturers will be updated and intimated by PMC, whenever required,” said Prithviraj.

The LED indicator installed at the construction site will display real-time air quality and help the engineers on site to take steps to reduce pollution.

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The PMC order states that all project proponents are mandated to strictly comply with the Mitigation checklist as it forms the first and essential stage of reducing dust and air pollution at construction sites. The action guidance is intended to help on-site personnel take immediate actions, based on the indicative dust severity levels displayed through the LED signal system.

Mitigation steps

Metal sheet barricading of a minimum 25 feet height along the site perimeter
Building structure covered with green cloth/tarpaulin to prevent dust dispersion
Regular water sprinkling on exposed surfaces, internal roads, and dust prone areas
Water fogging during the loading and unloading of construction materials
Water sprinkling on debris, excavated earth, and loose material
All construction material, excavated earth and waste shall be stored at the site and not dumped on public roads or pavements and shall be covered with tarpaulin
Installation and operation of sensor-based air pollution monitoring and LED indicators as per PMC specifications
Conduct grinding, cutting, drilling, and similar dust-generating activities in enclosed areas
Use of vacuum machines and dust capturing shrouds for grinding operations
Provision of appropriate PPE (masks, goggles, protective gear) for all workers
Deployment of smog guns to control dust, especially during high-activity periods
Functional vehicle tyre washing facility at the site exit to prevent dust carry-over to public roads
DG sets operational on sites shall run on clean fuels such as LPG/ PNG / electricity, dual fuel mode or be equipped with emission control devices
All vehicles transporting materials and Construction waste should possess valid Pollution under Control (PUC) certification

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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