Pune RMC body tells members to comply with norms or face legal action

Pune: In a move towards self-regulation, the Pune Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) Association has issued a stern advisory to all manufacturers in the district to strictly adhere to operational timings, environmental norms, and traffic regulations.The association has also formally requested the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), traffic police, and district administration to take legal action against companies flouting these rules.The crackdown follows numerous complaints regarding unauthorised night-time and 24-hour operations. According to the current guidelines, RMC supply is RMC supply is permitted between 11 am and 5 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, while operations are allowed from 6am to 5pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.Pradip Walhekar, president, Pune RMC Association, said the industry had briefly halted manufacturing in April to coordinate these regulations. “Since operations resumed on May 7, we observed that some companies were ignoring the new schedule. The association is now taking proactive steps to report these violators to avoid a blanket ban or collective penalties that would hurt the entire industry,” Walhekar said.The association has already demonstrated its commitment to enforcement. Over the last fortnight, office-bearers identified 25 transit mixers violating traffic norms or operating outside permitted hours. “In these cases, we intercepted the mixers in transit and immediately alerted the police via the 112 emergency number,” Walhekar added.To ensure public participation in monitoring these units, the association has launched a citizen helpline (9922340340) for reporting RMC units operating in violation of the law.While several meetings have been held to ensure compliance, the association noted that some firms have delayed implementation, citing the need for approval from their respective regional offices. However, the Pune RMC Association clarified that it will not shield any operator—regardless of their size or market presence—found violating environmental standards, traffic restrictions, or public safety requirements..