Pune: NGT Forms Panel to Assess Solid Waste Management Measures in Hadapsar
Pune: NGT Imposes ₹1.7 Crore Penalty On Builder For Environmental Violations
Pune, Jan 30: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has established a committee comprising officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to inspect preventive measures aimed at curbing open garbage burning and fire incidents in Hadapsar. The tribunal’s directive came on January 27, following claims by the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) that necessary actions were being taken to prevent waste-related fires in the area.
Background of the Issue
The NGT took suo motu cognizance of a news report published on April 14, 2024, which highlighted open garbage burning in Hadapsar. The committee has been instructed to visit the site and submit a report within three weeks from the issuance of the order.
During previous hearings, PMC and MPCB clarified that the site in question falls under PCB’s jurisdiction. In response, the PCB attributed the fire incidents to extreme summer temperatures and assured the tribunal that measures had been put in place to mitigate such occurrences.
Preventive Measures Claimed by PCB
The PCB has taken several steps, including:
- Deploying a standby fire engine and water lorry at the site to tackle potential fires.
- Constructing a masonry water tank at the trenching ground for immediate fire suppression.
- Installing six CCTV cameras to monitor and prevent illegal waste dumping.
Tribunal’s Response
After reviewing PCB’s submission, the NGT directed the newly formed panel to verify whether these measures have actually been implemented at the site. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for March 24, 2025.
