Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Demands ₹25 Lakh Bank Guarantee from Mercedes-Benz for Environmental Compliance
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Demands ₹25 Lakh Bank Guarantee from Mercedes-Benz for Environmental Compliance
Multiple violations of environmental regulations at the Chakan plant prompt regulatory action.
Following the discovery of multiple violations of environmental regulations at Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has mandated a ₹25 lakh bank guarantee from the company to ensure future compliance with prescribed norms.
The issue was highlighted after MPCB officials conducted inspections at the Chakan facility on August 23 and September 4, revealing that the company was failing to meet critical environmental standards. Notable problems included malfunctioning clarifiers and centrifuge units in the sewage treatment plant, a lack of emission control devices for diesel engines, and improper maintenance of the sewage treatment facility.
In response to these issues, MPCB issued a notice to the company on September 21, giving them 15 days to respond. Mercedes-Benz promptly addressed the situation, submitting a response by September 26. In their statement, the company assured the board that the deficiencies identified during the inspection had been rectified and that the plant was now compliant with environmental regulations.
MPCB sources confirmed that while the company complied with the immediate corrective actions, the board required the ₹25 lakh bank guarantee to ensure ongoing adherence to environmental norms. This guarantee serves as a financial safeguard, compelling the company to maintain necessary standards.
The issues were first flagged during a surprise inspection led by MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam, who was in Pune for an official event on August 23. Accompanied by a team of officers, Kadam visited the Mercedes-Benz Chakan plant to assess its compliance with environmental guidelines. The surprise visit and subsequent violations were briefly mentioned on social media, although the post was later removed, raising questions about the nature of the inspection.
Jagannath Salunkhe, Regional Officer of MPCB, confirmed to regional media that the violations were uncovered during the inspection, prompting the notice to be issued. The company has since responded within a week to the notice sent by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
MPCB checks whether companies follow environmental norms through regular inspections. The board has taken a ₹25 lakh bank guarantee from Mercedes-Benz to ensure compliance with these regulations.
