Panvel: The Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has served notices on 151 bakery units operating within the city limits to bring down the reliance pf wood and coal by the establishments and to encourage them to cleaner options.

The move comes in the wake of the PMC stepping up efforts to curb dust pollution within the city limits.

Notices have also been served on 164 real estate developers and businessmen for violation of PMC guidelines. Guidelines have also been issued regarding the installation of green screens (green nets) and metal sheets for dust prevention at construction sites.

PMC has deployed four fog cannon vehicles (fine dust control devices) as part of its efforts. The civic corporation has deployed mobile air quality monitoring van to monitor the quality of air, officials with PMC’s environment department said.

The daily air pollution quality level is being monitored in the PMC area. Flying squads have also been constituted under ward superintendents as part of proactive efforts to curb air pollution.

To reduce air pollution, PMC also organises public awareness to educate the residents. An information, education and communication vehicle has been been launched to create awareness.  A ward level Air Pollution Control Committee has also been constituted as part of the efforts.

PMC plans to install air purification systems at 10 locations in Kharghar, Taloja, Kalamboli, Kamothe and Panvel. The tender process is underway for the installation of APS, the official said.

The tender process is also underway for the installation of Real Time Ambient Air Quality Monitor & Display Boards at seven locations to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and weather parameters.