Pune: Following a major crackdown on Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants for breaching environmental standards, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has now turned its focus to Pune’s automotive industry. In just one week, the board has served more than five notices to various automotive manufacturing and service facilities across the city for non-compliance with air and water pollution norms.
The notices were dispatched to firms operating in several localities, including two in Maval tehsil and one each in Talegaon Dabhade, Warje, and Gultekdi. Most of these companies are engaged in vehicle repair and auto parts distribution.
This enforcement action follows a surge in public complaints about deteriorating air quality, particularly regarding rising PM2.5 particulate matter levels. Earlier, the MPCB had launched an intensive drive against RMC plants in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, which led to closure notices for 11 units and show-cause notices for another 17.
Now zeroing in on the automotive sector, the board has identified violations involving the discharge of untreated effluents and the absence of proper waste treatment systems. Firms without sewage treatment infrastructure have been instructed to install necessary facilities to prevent contamination of nearby water bodies. At least two companies have been directed to submit a bank guarantee of ₹50,000 each and present detailed action plans outlining how they intend to rectify the issues.
The MPCB’s legal actions are being carried out under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Notices also extend to companies operating without valid environmental clearances. Each violator has been given a deadline to comply and report on corrective measures undertaken.
