India, Aug. 15 -- The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been asked to accelerate the utilisation of funds allocated for improving Pune's air quality after the Maharashtra government flagged that only 61% of the Rs.271.49 crore released so far has been spent.

In a letter dated August 11, Maharashtra environment and climate change department secretary Jayashree Bhoj directed PMC commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to expedite spending and submit utilisation certificates by September 5.

The funds were released under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and 15th Finance Commission air-quality grants between FY2020-21 and FY2025-26. The Pune urban agglomeration - comprising PMC, Dehu Road Cantonment Board and Khadki Cantonment Board - has u...