Pune: MPCB Cracks Down On PMC Slaughterhouse In Kondhwa, Orders Safe Closure
Pune: MPCB Cracks Down On PMC Slaughterhouse In Kondhwa, Orders Safe Closure
Renuka Suryavanshi
Pune, May 9, 2025
In a decisive move, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has ordered the closure of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s slaughterhouse located at Salunkhe Vihar Road, Kondhwa. The directive comes after multiple violations of environmental norms, confirmed through inspections and a public complaint.
Pune Pulse was the first publication who raised the issue with the MPCB officials.
The order, issued by the Regional Officer of MPCB, Pune, J.S. Salunkhe, under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Section 31A of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, follows a series of investigations triggered by a formal complaint from residents of Nancy Garden Co-operative Housing Society, Borade Nagar, and other nearby localities.
An inspection by MPCB officials on February 28, 2025, revealed serious non-compliances, including:
- Failure to operate the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), leading to discharge of untreated effluent into the Bhairoba Nala.
- Absence of exhaust and ventilation systems and lack of deodorizing arrangements, causing severe odor issues.
- Overflow of untreated effluent, blood, and tissues, choking drainage systems and spilling radish-colored liquid onto surrounding roads, including Salunkhe Vihar Road.
Despite the Board’s proposed directions on February 28 and a personal hearing on April 2, PMC failed to implement remedial measures. The minutes of the hearing, received on May 5, outlined the following mandatory directives:
- Submission of a time-bound compliance plan within 7 days.
- Installation and operation of an adequate-capacity ETP.
- Prevention of effluent spillages outside the premises.
- Implementation of odor-control systems, such as misting with fragrance.
- Composting of Type-I and Type-II waste.
- Adherence to slaughterhouse waste management guidelines issued by MPCB on December 24, 2014.
- Completion of all measures within 15 days.
Given the failure to comply with consent conditions, and continued environmental and public health hazards, the MPCB has issued “Safe Closure Directions.” PMC must cease operations within 96 hours of the notice and obtain MPCB approval before resuming any activities.
Rohan Gaikwad, a social activist from Wanowrie was present today when the order was issued by the MPCB officials. He said, “The PMC should now look into resolving the issues completely. PMC establishments should not be an inconvenience to the residents. In this case, today’s decision is a big welcome move for the residents. I had only raised the issue but the residents consistently followed up. They have been struggling to live peacefully and in a healthy manner for more than one decade now.”
Additionally, MPCB has instructed MSEDCL and the PMC Water Supply Division to disconnect power and water connections respectively, post the 96-hour deadline.
Arnold Lobo, treasurer, Nancy Garden society in Wanowrie stated that though the residents are happy today to see closure notice, there is still no action on the Pune Cantonment Board slaughterhouse. MPCB authorities have assured us of action against them also. Also, the residents are seeking relocation of both the slaughterhouses from this place so the problem ends.
This order has been approved by the competent authority of MPCB. The Sub Regional Officer has been directed to monitor compliance and assess any public health impacts caused by the ongoing violations.
The shutdown marks a significant step in enforcing environmental accountability in Pune’s urban infrastructure.
