Pune’s Air Pollution Woes: Residents Unimpressed with Partial Solutions
For the residents of Wakad and Tathawade, the air quality has remained a persistent concern, despite a silent protest they staged two weeks ago to demand immediate action from the authorities to curb the air pollution caused by cement dust and debris. While the authorities did respond, the residents claim that the improvements have been minimal and inconsistent.
The protest, organized by the Wakad-Tathawade Housing Societies Forum, brought together over 500 residents from 22 housing societies, including senior citizens, women, and children, to march peacefully through the streets. The demonstrators decried the deteriorating air quality due to dust from ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants, ongoing construction, and heavy vehicular emissions, and demanded a cleaner and healthier environment.
In the aftermath of the protest, authorities took measures such as regular road cleaning with water sprays and temporary pauses on construction. However, residents like Priya Shah, a 38-year-old IT professional, point out that the effects are short-lived, and the moment construction resumes, the dust returns. “Air purifiers at home can only do so much; we want clean air outside too,” she emphasized.
Ravi Kulkarni, a 45-year-old business owner, agrees, stating that while there has been a slight relief in air pollution due to the pause in construction, the resumption of work has seen the dust return. “We’re also seeing more frequent road cleaning now, but it’s not consistent. It’s like a quick fix. I hope the authorities maintain the pressure on construction companies to follow dust control norms. We can’t keep protesting every time the dust rises,” he says.
For parents, the temporary reduction in pollution has brought some comfort. Ananya Mehta, a 29-year-old resident, notes, “I can finally let my kids play outside for a little while without worrying too much. There’s a noticeable difference, but the air is still not clean. My younger one has asthma, and while her coughing has reduced, I still hesitate to take her for long walks. The trees along the roadsides are covered in dust, and it’s clear that the environment needs continuous attention. Water spraying on the roads should be a permanent measure, not just a response to our protests.”
Senior citizens in the area also share their concerns. Rajesh Patil, 72, remarks, “We’ve been breathing dust for so long that even a small relief feels significant. After the protest, I’ve seen some effort from the authorities to clear the roads, and some construction sites have started using dust control sheets. But it’s not enough. The pollution is still visible on car windows and balconies. Regular monitoring and strict penalties for violators are necessary. We shouldn’t have to fight so hard for something as basic as clean air.”
As the residents of Wakad and Tathawade continue to face this issue, they urge authorities to adopt a more proactive approach. “The condition is slightly better, but mornings are still tough. The dust settles overnight, and by the time we step out for school or work, it’s all over the place again. Authorities have responded, but they need to make dust control a daily routine. Children in my school often complain of itchy eyes and sneezing. We need more trees, not just for decoration but to genuinely improve air quality. Community participation is crucial too; people must report violations and push for action,” said Neha Goyal, a 34-year-old school teacher.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/days-after-silent-protest-wakad-tathawade-residents-see-little-relief-from-air-pollution-9902258/
Category : Cities,Pune
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Publish Date: 2025-03-24 02:31:00
