Pune: The state environment department on Tuesday replied to a query raised by MLCs during the ongoing monsoon session and said 28 ready mix concrete (RMC) plants are being closed in Pune over compliance issues.MLC Parinay Phuke raised the matter and said, “The environment department’s reply is contradictory. On one hand, it says RMC plants are not causing any water pollution in Mutha river and, on the other hand, it says 28 plants are being closed. The department seems to be giving out wrong information to the minister.”State environment minister Pankaja Munde said, “The plants are in the process of being shut down over various issues — mostly pertaining to compliance. Some will be closed because those are illegal. Also, many RMCs were aggravating the AQI.”She said a meeting was held recently with the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations to review the River Rejuvenation Project, sewage treatment plants (STPs) and pollution control measures at RMC units. Munde said strict action had been taken against STPs operating illegally, violating pollution control conditions or failing to comply with rules.The minister also said the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had issued new guidelines for RMC plants. Under these, it was mandatory for all plants to install enclosed structures (box covers), provide sprinklers for dust suppression and facilities to wash vehicle tyres as well as other pollution control measures. Stringent action would be taken against companies failing to adhere to the guidelines.Meanwhile, MLC Vikram Kale said, “The Mutha river flows through city areas. The authorities, including the environment department, tourism department and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), should make efforts to beautify the banks. It will help promote tourism in the areas.”Munde said a comprehensive policy comprising short-term, medium-term and long-term measures was being drafted currently.
