MPCB Pune Issues Notice To Clover Buildcorp For Environmental Violations At Clover Hills Plaza
MPCB Pune Issues Notice To Clover Buildcorp For Environmental Violations At Clover Hills Plaza
Pune: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a notice to real estate developer Clover Buildcorp for allegedly violating environmental norms at its construction sites, particularly at Clover Hills Plaza in Kondhwa. The firm has been given seven days to respond, failing which strict legal action, including the disconnection of water and electricity supply, may follow.
Inspection Uncovers Violations
An MPCB inspection conducted on January 31, 2025, uncovered multiple breaches of pollution control laws. Based on these findings, the Sub-Regional Office (SRO), Pune, submitted a formal proposal for legal action on March 20, 2025.
The violations cited in the notice include:
- Failure to obtain necessary permissions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
- Absence of Environmental Clearance (EC) from the competent authority.
- Non-functional sewage treatment plant (STP) and Organic Waste Converter (OWC), leading to improper waste disposal.
- Unauthorized extraction of groundwater from a dug well without permission from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
- Failure to provide crucial documents such as the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Sanction Commencement Certificate (CC), Intimation of Disapproval (IOD), and an architect’s certificate for Built-Up Area (BUA).
MPCB’s Stand on the Issue
MPCB regional officer J.S. Salunkhe emphasized the need for real estate companies to comply with environmental regulations, stating,
“Failure to follow environmental norms not only endangers public health but also damages the ecosystem. If corrective actions are not taken, strict action will follow.”
The notice also demands that Clover Buildcorp explain why its operations should not be immediately shut down and why water and electricity supply should not be disconnected. The company has been asked to submit its response and attend a personal hearing on April 4, 2025, at MPCB’s regional office in Pune.
What’s Next?
The MPCB’s action against Clover Buildcorp underscores growing regulatory scrutiny in Pune’s real estate sector, where rapid urbanization is putting immense pressure on environmental resources.
With the April 4 hearing approaching, Clover Buildcorp has a limited window to justify its position and provide the required documentation. If the company fails to offer a satisfactory response, the MPCB is expected to seal the site and disconnect essential utilities.
As Pune’s construction boom continues, this case highlights the increasing necessity for developers to adhere strictly to environmental laws and secure the required approvals before commencing projects.
