MPCB books 182 celebration lawns in Pune for flouting norms

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has cracked down on 182 marriage halls, lawns, and banquet halls in Pune for operating without proper consent. The move is to tackle noise and water pollution as well as environmental degradation caused by these establishments.

This action aligns with directives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued on November 24, 2016, to control pollution at various public venues, including halls, clubhouses, hotels, and restaurants.

“The marriage hall activities are carried in the ‘Water & Air Pollution Prevention area declared under the provision of Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1974 & Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 respectively. The MPCB issued a circular on 24 November 2015 wherein guidelines for marriage halls, lawns and clubhouses were stipulated and the said activities were incorporated in the consent regime. It was obligatory on your part to obtain valid Consent from MPCB under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2003 and comply all the conditions stipulated in the consent,” said the notice.

An official of MPCB highlighted that the board has given a seven-day ultimatum for compliance, failing which legal action will ensue.

The notice issued to the marriage halls and lawns stressed the obligation to obtain valid consent under relevant pollution control acts and to adhere to all stipulated conditions.

While some owners may argue about technical uncertainties, the MPCB remains firm on enforcing pollution norms to safeguard the environment. The board reiterated that activists play a crucial role in ensuring compliance.

The MPCB’s proactive measures aim to ensure that marriage halls and lawns in Pune operate in an environmentally responsible manner, mitigating their impact on pollution and safeguarding public health and well-being.