Pune: NGT Directs Multi-Agency Probe Into Pollution Allegations Near Ranjangaon MIDC
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Pune, January 31, 2026: The western bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a comprehensive investigation into alleged air, water, and soil contamination in Nimgaon Bhogi village and surrounding areas near Ranjangaon MIDC in Pune district. The directive follows repeated complaints raised by the local gram panchayat and the tehsildar of Shirur taluka, citing environmental damage and growing public health concerns.
In an order issued on January 29, the tribunal instructed the formation of a six-member joint inspection committee to assess the extent of pollution and its impact. The committee will include representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), the Directorate of Health, Government of Maharashtra, and the Central Ground Water Survey and Development Agency (GSDA).
The NGT has appointed the MPCB as the nodal agency responsible for coordinating the inspection and submitting a detailed report. The committee has been directed to conduct a site visit in the presence of all concerned parties, evaluate the current environmental conditions, and submit a fact-based, action-oriented report within one month. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 2.
The case originates from a petition filed in October 2025 by the Nimgaon Bhogi gram panchayat and the Shirur tehsildar, alleging long-standing pollution caused by a hazardous waste treatment facility operated by Maharashtra Enviro Power Limited at Ranjangaon MIDC. The petition claims the facility has been functioning without mandatory statutory approvals, including environmental clearance and consents under pollution control regulations.
Residents of Nimgaon Bhogi and nearby villages have reportedly been affected by persistent foul odours, release of hazardous gases, and discharge of contaminated wastewater, leading to health issues among both people and livestock. The petitioners further alleged that despite repeated complaints to various authorities, no effective corrective action was taken.
The application also highlighted that leakages from landfill cells at the facility have been occurring since 2015, a concern previously documented in a NEERI report. That report recorded seepage of contaminated water beyond the landfill premises, polluting nearby groundwater sources and Pazar Talav. Findings by the CPCB were also cited, indicating pollution of the Ghod river, a critical source of drinking and irrigation water in the region.
After reviewing the submissions, the NGT observed that there appears to be prima facie non-compliance with environmental laws by the project operator. The tribunal noted lapses in obtaining consent to establish and operate under the Water and Air Acts, as well as the absence of prior environmental clearance as required under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notifications.
While the respondents objected to the formation of the joint committee, the tribunal rejected their arguments after a hearing on January 23, reiterating the need for an independent and transparent assessment. It stressed that the inspection must be conducted fairly and in the presence of all stakeholders.
Maharashtra Enviro Power Limited has faced multiple allegations of environmental violations in the past, with concerns over public and animal health in villages around Ranjangaon MIDC also raised at the political level. Notably, MP Amol Kolhe had highlighted the issue in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour in July 2024.
Recently, the MPCB recommended the imposition of ₹5 crore as environmental damage compensation on the company. However, the NGT has temporarily stayed the recovery of the penalty, pending further examination of the case.
