MPCB chairman urges Pune civic body to reduce violators’ fines for single use plastic
The PMC collects fines from Rs 500 up to Rs 25,000 from those violating the ban on single use plastic. The MPCB chairperson has suggested reducing the penalty amount.
MPCB and PMC will jointly implement the ban on single use plastics and take action against those violating it. (Source: Express Photos/BMC)
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on Tuesday, in an unexpected stand, urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to review its penalty amount on anyone found with single use plastic and instead focus on creating awareness on its adverse impact on nature.
“The objective of penalising those found with single use plastic is not to collect revenue. The adverse impact on nature is of more concern and for that, awarness among citizens is needed. The action should be enforceable, so the penalty amount should be reduced and PMC should make necessary changes in its bylaws of solid waste management,” said Siddhesh Kadam, chairman on MPCB.
The PMC collects fines from Rs 500 up to Rs 25,000 from those violating the ban on single use plastic. The MPCB chairperson has suggested reducing the penalty amount.
Kadam said the MPCB and PMC will also commence action against RMC plants and construction sites over air pollution caused by dust from construction material.
The MPCB chairman said electric and gas based crematoriums are being promoted to check air pollution. “Cremations are a sensitive and religious issue, so the civic body should balance setting up electric and gas crematoriums with those on wood pyres. We will suggest proper methods to reduce air pollution from wood pyre cremations,” said Kadam.
He said the MPCB will also track the pollution of Mula-Mutha river and make suggestions to the civic body. “I plan to visit the sewage treatment plan of the civic body to verify their performance and ensure untreated water is not released directly in the river,” said Kadam.
Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability.
Professional Background
Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens.
Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College.
Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts.
Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development.
Recent Notable Articles (December 2025)
His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom:
1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026)
"Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections.
"Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections.
"Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls.
2. Infrastructure & Urban Development
"Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026.
"Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi.
"Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors.
3. Civic Governance & Environment
"Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time.
"Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections.
Signature Style
Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact.
X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More
2 min read
MPCB and PMC will jointly implement the ban on single use plastics and take action against those violating it. (Source: Express Photos/BMC)
