PUNE : Dedicated squads formed to initiate action against construction firms have issued notices for various violations at 421 sites in the last four days, and fines worth over Rs 33 lakh collectively have also been recovered from offenders.

PCMC(Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation) ) has launched a crackdown on construction sites located across the twin cities for causing air pollution, at a time when the air quality index (AQI) has become a matter of concern for citizens.

Dedicated squads formed to initiate action against construction firms have issued notices for various violations at 421 sites in the last four days, and fines worth over Rs 33 lakh collectively have also been recovered from offenders.

The civic body has formed 16 squads in 32 different wards to undertake the drive. The local ward offices have been given instructions to visit construction sites to take action.

"Squad members are documenting the violations using photography and videography. Those found violating rules are served notices as per the Environment Protection Act and The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, and fines are recovered," said an official.

In the two dedicated squads appointed in each municipal ward, team members include deputy engineers, sanitary inspectors, beat inspectors and more. 

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