On Friday, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) directed the proprietors of ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants located in the Bavdhan Budruk region to comply with the most recent pollution control regulations within a period of 20 days, or they will face legal repercussions.
Babasaheb Kukade, the regional officer of the MPCB, indicated that there are six RMC plants situated in the area. He mentioned that the MPCB is currently verifying whether these plants have their documentation in order. “We have provided them with a 20-day timeframe to ensure adherence to all the guidelines outlined in the MPCB regulations for RMC plants, issued on October 17, 2025.
While all of them are operating legally, we are reviewing their paperwork to determine if any documents are missing or have not been renewed. Should they fail to comply, stringent legal action will be enforced against them,” Kukade stated. The MPCB convened a meeting with the owners of the RMC plants and the residents of Bavdhan Budruk on Friday, following numerous complaints regarding air pollution. Residents reported that at times, the mobile app AQI (air quality index) readings exceeded 300.
Additionally, traffic congestion at Omkar Garden Chowk, caused by the movement of heavy vehicles from various RMC plants on the narrow road, has become another significant issue. Krunnal Gharre, a resident of Bavdhan Budruk who participated in the online meeting, expressed that the residents are not opposed to business operations, but they require these businesses to ensure that they do not jeopardize public health and safety. “We expect them to comply with the AQI and all other pollution control standards.” Gharre further remarked, “Although the traffic police have restricted heavy vehicles from utilizing the Omkar Garden Chowk during peak hours, this is not a sustainable solution.
The core issue lies in the inadequate carriageway of the current road and the absence of an alternative route. We require the road to be expanded and an alternative road to accommodate the increasing traffic. We also urged the RMC owners to engage directly with the community to facilitate the resolution of issues.”
In accordance with the regulations governing RMC plants, the levels of particulate matter at the boundary of the plot should not surpass 100 µg/m³ for PM10 and 60 µg/m³ for PM2.5. It is essential to have water sprinkler systems installed within the plant to mitigate air pollution, and a fogging system should be positioned near sources that generate dust. Furthermore, the plants and their various units should be enclosed on all sides, and vehicles exiting the plants must undergo thorough cleaning.
