PMC Mandates Air Quality Sensors for Large Real Estate Projects in Pune
In a move to combat the growing air pollution in Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made it compulsory for large real estate projects—valued over ₹500 crore —to install real-time air quality sensors at construction sites. These sensors will provide live data to the PMC’s centralized dashboard, helping monitor and address pollution levels effectively. This step comes in response to the poor adherence to pollution control norms by builders.
According to PMC officials, many construction firms have not been following the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) dust and pollution control guidelines. To improve compliance, a task force has been set up to identify the types of sensors to be installed. These devices, which can range from ₹40,000 to ₹4 lakh, will help track PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels in the air. The goal is to ensure transparency and accountability from developers regarding pollution caused at their sites.
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The initiative is inspired by a similar program launched by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). PMC plans to implement this with support from the World Resources Institute (WRI) India and in consultation with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). A meeting with various stakeholders, including real estate associations, has already been held to discuss its rollout.
PMC officials have also reiterated other CPCB-mandated safety practices—such as using tall barricades around construction sites, regular water sprinkling, and washing vehicle wheels before they exit the site. If pollution levels exceed prescribed limits, PMC will instruct developers to take corrective actions immediately. Failure to comply could result in penalties. This initiative aims to reduce the health hazards caused by dust and pollution from large-scale construction activities in the city.
