HC issues closure notices to four industrial units

Ranjaee had petitioned the court that the MPCB was not taking any steps on the rising pollution levels of the river Pawna. In fact, the rapid survey carried out by MPCB was undertaken when the bench of the Chief Justice noted that if the agency was unable to do anything, it would order the State Government to supersede it.

In their report though, the MPCB stated that the biggest polluter was the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation which was releasing untreated water into the river, and the corporation today was directed to be joined as respondents to the petition.

According to the MPCB, the units of Elpro Industries at Chinchwad village, Swastik Asbestos Products at Pimpri MIDC area, and Vickers Systems on the Mumbai-Pune road have been served notices to close till they implement the right pollution control measures.

The agency has also told the court that they have served show cause notices to Bio-Star Pharmaceuticals at Bhoseri MIDC area.

Following the survey done in April, MPCB submitted that they have stopped the start of the heat treatment plant of Alfa-Lavel, Hindustan Antibiotics has been directed to cut its production capacity to 40 per cent till it is able to increase its sewage treatment plant capacity by June 15. Till then the company has been directed to not release its sewage water outside their factory premises.

Greaves Ltd and Pudumjee Pulp and Paper too have been directed to increase the effectiveness of their treatment plants.

As for the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, the court was told that of the 130 million litres of sewage water poured into the Pawna daily, only 72 million litres are treated with by its facilities. The MPCB has written to the corporation to form a definitive plan on its water treatment facilities, the court was told.