PMC Mandates Real-Time Air Quality Sensors for Major Real Estate Projects in Pune
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made it mandatory for real estate projects worth Rs 500 crore and above to install air quality sensors. This initiative aims to monitor and control air pollution at construction sites.
Air QualityReal EstatePunePollution ControlConstruction SitesReal EstateAug 29, 2025
According to Santosh Warule, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, this step has been taken due to the laxity of real estate developers in adhering to the guidelines laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The PMC has constituted a task force committee to decide on the implementation of this initiative.
“The committee will have to decide on what kind of sensors should be installed by real estate developers at construction sites, as they are in the range of Rs 40,000 to Rs 4 lakh and are based on various parameters. We will identify the sensors and the same have to be installed at the construction site by developers as these sensors have to give real-time data online to the centralised dashboard of the civic body,” Warule said.
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has already started implementing the installation of air pollution sensors at construction sites of projects over Rs 500 crore. The PMC is now following suit in its jurisdiction. Warule, who is in charge of the Civic Environment department, stated that the PMC, along with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), organized a meeting of all stakeholders, including the real estate developers association, to discuss the implementation in Pune. The initiative will be implemented with the assistance of the World Resource Institute (WRI) India, a global non-profit organization that works towards environmental protection.
The Central Pollution Control Board had previously issued guidelines for real estate developers to install 25-feet-tall tin sheets at the boundary of construction sites and to sprinkle water regularly to settle dust generated due to ongoing work. There were also instructions that the wheels of vehicles moving out from the construction site should be washed before they ply on city roads. However, there was a lacklustre approach by real estate developers in following these guidelines, leading to an increase in air pollution.
As per the guidelines laid by the state Pollution Control Board, it is necessary to install air quality sensors at construction sites to record PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles. If the pollution levels exceed the set mark, the PMC will direct the real estate developer to initiate immediate steps to reduce air pollution. If the developer fails to comply, they will be penalized. This initiative is aimed at avoiding health issues faced by the people due to construction activities.
Prashant Waghmare, City Engineer, emphasized that with the boom in the real estate industry and ongoing road construction, air pollution in the city has surged drastically. Therefore, installing air quality sensors at construction sites is crucial for monitoring and controlling pollution.
The World Resource Institute (WRI) India is a global non-profit organization that works towards the protection of the environment and sustainable development. The PMC's collaboration with WRI India will ensure that the initiative is implemented effectively and efficiently, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable urban environment in Pune.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the PMC mandating air quality sensors for real estate projects in Pune?
The PMC is mandating air quality sensors to monitor and control air pollution at construction sites, as real estate developers have been lax in adhering to previous guidelines.
What are the parameters that the air quality sensors will monitor?
The sensors will monitor PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles, which are key indicators of air pollution.
How will the real estate developers be penalized if they fail to comply with the guidelines?
If real estate developers fail to reduce air pollution as directed by the PMC, they will be penalized.
What is the role of the World Resource Institute (WRI) India in this initiative?
WRI India is assisting the PMC in implementing the initiative, ensuring it is done effectively and efficiently.
How does this initiative benefit the residents of Pune?
This initiative will help reduce air pollution levels, thereby improving the health and quality of life for the residents of Pune.
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