Mayor Calls for Strict Measures to Improve Air Quality
Pimpri : In response to rising air pollution levels in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Mayor Ravi Landge has directed the civic administration to implement urgent and comprehensive measures to improve the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI).
The directives follow a high-level meeting held on March 15 with environmental organisations, experts, and key stakeholders. Based on recommendations received, the Mayor has instructed the Municipal Commissioner to ensure strict and time-bound action.
Taking serious note of increasing industrialisation, vehicular growth, construction dust, and instances of garbage burning, the Mayor emphasised accountability and effective enforcement across departments.
Key measures include expanding air quality monitoring stations, providing real-time AQI data to citizens, and establishing special monitoring systems in sensitive areas. The administration has also been asked to strengthen traffic management through intelligent systems, promote public transport, encourage electric vehicles, and take strict action against polluting old vehicles.
To control industrial pollution, regular inspections and strict compliance with pollution control norms have been mandated, along with penalties for violations. Construction sites must install green nets and dust barriers, while regular road cleaning and water sprinkling will be ensured. A complete ban on garbage burning has also been enforced.
The Mayor has further stressed large-scale tree plantation, development of green belts, urban forests, and oxygen parks for long-term environmental sustainability. Implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been ordered if AQI reaches critical levels.
“Clean and safe air is the fundamental right of every citizen. While this is a collective responsibility, no negligence will be tolerated,” the Mayor stated, adding that citizens’ health remains the top priority.
Regular review meetings and submission of Action Taken Reports have also been made mandatory to ensure effective implementation.
