NGT tells citizen to suggest alternatives to fog machines for air pollution control in Pune

Time of India

08-05-2025

Pune: National Green Tribunal's western bench has sought alternative, scientifically grounded air-pollution mitigation measures from a citizen who challenged PMC's adoption of mist-spraying machines to reduce airborne dust and particulate matter.The applicant, Ameet Singh, requested directions to be issued to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to conduct a scientific feasibility and cost-benefit analysis through an institute of repute before deploying technology-based air pollution interventions in Pune.Singh challenged PMC's adoption of mist-spraying and fog cannon machines without prior efficacy or impact assessment, arguing such measures were ad hoc, costly, and lack scientific backing.
The machines reportedly consume 6,000 litres of water per day per vehicle and cost over Rs 6 crore, raising concerns about resource wastage and environmental impact.Singh also requested for involvement of an institution of repute under the National Clean Air Programme to guide interventions and urged establishment of guidelines, high-grade air quality monitors, and regular meetings of the city-level air quality committee."We are of the view that it would not be wise at this stage to direct stopping the use of machines, which are already purchased or in the process of being purchased, till we find some other better solution to the problem," said the bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Vijay Kulkarni. In response, Singh sought time till the first week of June to suggest measures which need to be undertaken to bring air pollution under control in the city."After receiving additional pleadings with respect to alternative measures to be adopted in place of what is being done at present by respondent No.1 – PMC, we will consider issuing notice to the respondents," added the bench. Singh requested the tribunal to direct PMC to monitor and provide accurate data on air pollution, to install sensors in Pune city to track air pollution at appropriate locations. He also argued that ineffective technologies were being adapted to tackle air pollution in Pune, including the proposed use of fog cannon machines costing over Rs 6 crore without any scientific study."Around Sept 2023, without any search being conducted, respondent No.1 – PMC proposed the adoption of mist-spraying machines to control air pollution. Huge sums of money have been spent on purchase of these machines without any study regarding their efficacy. Even fresh tenders have been issued for installation of these machines," said Singh in the application, adding that the tenders were withdrawn after reconsideration by the corporation.He also added that in the information provided to him by the corporation, it was stated that the fog cannon machine vehicles would cover 80 kilometres per day and use 6,000 litres of water. Keeping this in mind, Singh sought scientific support to be extended to the planning authority of each city by an institute of repute identified by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and in collaboration with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.The tribunal, however, refrained from halting ongoing procurements but allowed time till early June this year for citizens to submit alternative, scientifically grounded pollution mitigation measures, instead of the measures adopted above. Over Rs 262 crore has been spent so far in the past four years from National Clean Air Programme funding without making a real difference to the air quality in Pune. If PMC spent as much on planting new trees, a substantial amount of air pollution could be mitigated, Singh argued at the tribunal and told TOI.The matter has been further listed for June 17.