Pune News: Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Cracks Down On Ranjangaon MIDC Over Water Pollution
Pune News: Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Cracks Down On Ranjangaon MIDC Over Water Pollution
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a notice to the Ranjangaon Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for violating environmental norms and causing water pollution in the area. This move comes nearly a month after the MPCB addressed similar issues in the Kurkumbh area.
The notice, issued by JS Salunkhe, regional officer of MPCB, cites specific violations, including non-operational aerators, sludge pumps, and clarifiers at the common effluent treatment plant (CETP). The MPCB had granted consent to the MIDC, valid until December 2026, but received multiple complaints about water pollution and environmental violations.
A board official visited the CETP in September and found the facility wanting. The joint vigilance samples analysis revealed that the treated effluent exceeded permitted limits. “The board official observed that the MIDC had failed to comply with the MPCB’s consent norms and was causing pollution of the surrounding environment,” Salunkhe said.
The Ranjangaon MIDC has been asked to respond within seven days, explaining why the MPCB should not initiate legal action against the CETP. The area, located near Pune city, has seen significant economic growth with various industries operating there, but at an environmental cost.
Ranjangaon has emerged as a key player in the region’s economic development, with industries such as automotive, manufacturing, engineering, and technology thriving there. However, the MPCB has been receiving complaints from residents for two years about water pollution in the area.
The Ranjangaon CETP, designed to treat wastewater from multiple industries, is managed by the MIDC. Despite its economic benefits, the MIDC’s environmental track record has raised concerns. The MPCB’s action serves as a warning to industries violating environmental norms.
As the region continues to grow economically, balancing development with environmental sustainability is crucial. Effective measures must be taken to mitigate pollution and ensure industries operate responsibly. The MPCB’s vigilance is a step towards protecting the environment and public health.
