The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has closed 21 ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants in Pune, Satara and Solapur districts after finding violations of its updated air-pollution control rules, according to a report by Loksatta – Pune. The action follows a compliance campaign that began in January and is expected to continue.
RMC plants produce concrete for housing and infrastructure projects, but their operations can generate dust and other air pollutants when materials are stored, handled or transported without adequate controls. Complaints about pollution from such facilities have increased as construction activity and the number of RMC plants have expanded across the region.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board introduced a new set of rules for RMC plants in October last year. The rules were intended to address pollution concerns and establish clearer operating requirements for the facilities. However, implementation was delayed because the plants were reportedly not receiving adequate cooperation from local self-government institutions, the report said.
After that administrative issue was resolved, the pollution control board instructed RMC operators to comply with the new requirements. It then began checking plants in Pune, Satara and Solapur districts from January to determine whether the updated rules were being followed.
The inspection campaign found violations at 21 plants. The operators were given time to comply with the requirements, but the report said they did not complete the necessary compliance measures. The board subsequently moved to close the plants.
The action follows public complaints and protests in some locations. In certain areas, residents took to the streets against RMC plants, bringing attention to concerns about the effect of construction-related pollution on nearby neighbourhoods and roads.
The closures affect a sector that supports the rapidly expanding housing market and construction activity in the three districts. The report does not specify the individual plants, the exact violations recorded at each facility, the duration of the closures or the operational impact on ongoing projects.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has indicated that inspections and enforcement against non-compliant RMC plants will continue. Further action will depend on whether the affected facilities meet the prescribed requirements and obtain permission to resume operations.
