Panvel Municipal Corporation Launches Comprehensive Measures To Tackle Dust Pollution And Improve Air Quality
Panvel: In a bid to curb rising levels of dust pollution, the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a series of comprehensive measures combining advanced equipment and citizen engagement strategies.
Four fog cannon vehicles—designed to suppress micro dust particles—have been deployed and are operational in daily rounds across all four civic zones. These vehicles spray fine mists of water to settle airborne dust and are part of a larger plan to maintain air quality standards in the rapidly urbanizing region.
To further bolster air quality surveillance, PMC has also introduced a Mobile Air Quality Monitoring Van. "This vehicle monitors pollution levels in real time, providing daily updates on the environmental conditions in various parts of the city," informed an official.
As part of efforts to eliminate other sources of pollution, especially from commercial establishments, the civic body has issued 151 notices to bakery units that continue to use wood and coal. These businesses have been directed to switch to cleaner alternatives such as CNG or electric ovens.
Following a directive from the Bombay High Court on November 28, 2024, ward-level Air Pollution Control Committees have been formed, along with rapid-response squads headed by ward superintendents. These teams are tasked with enforcing pollution control norms and responding swiftly to violations.
PMC has also taken steps to curb noise pollution during festive seasons. "Ahead of Diwali, it issued public advisories and directly appealed to citizens and firecracker vendors to comply with the Government of India’s 1999 notification, which prohibits the use of firecrackers emitting sound above 125 decibels (AI)," informed the official.
In a notable public outreach initiative, the corporation has launched an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) vehicle. This mobile unit travels across the Panvel region, spreading awareness about environmental issues including the “Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan,” plastic ban, eco-friendly celebrations, and air pollution control campaigns.
To ensure compliance at construction sites—often a major contributor to dust pollution—the PMC has issued notices to 164 developers and commercial entities for violating dust-control guidelines. The civic body has mandated the use of green nets
To further enhance air quality management, the PMC has initiated the tendering process for the installation of Air Purification Systems at 10 key locations across Kharghar, Taloja, Kalamboli, Kamothe, and Panvel.
Additionally, seven real-time Ambient Air Quality Monitoring and Display Boards are also in the pipeline. These systems will provide real-time data on AQI, wind speed and direction, temperature, and rainfall—helping both the public and authorities track environmental conditions more accurately.
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