New Delhi-based research and advocacy organization, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recently conduct survey on environmental challenges and solutions for building construction sector for cities like Pune that are badly affected by water crises. They may also face a power shortage in the future. It is only during a crisis that the PMC wakes up to the water usage for construction. Civic activists, politicians and urban planners in Pune agree that the city must consider the environmental impact of construction activities in the city. It also draws attention to the fact that the city does not have a mechanism to deal with construction waste and there is no system to control the use of water for construction purposes. The centre’s research reiterates that there is potential for resource saving in buildings if appropriate policies are in place. With more efficient lighting, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and architectural design, it is possible to save 30-70% of energy. Only by improving the water efficiency of the fixtures can the water demand be reduced by more than 30 %. Nationalist Congress Party MP and city president Vandana Chavan said that as the first step towards an eco-friendly city, we have asked the civic administration to draw up a green plan. This five-year plan will assess the green cover in the city and cutting of trees because of construction. We cannot afford to lose the hills, natural water resources and trees for massive constructions.
