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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 at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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