The MPCB has ordered PCMC to tackle pollution issues at its waste site, requiring a compliance plan within 15 days to address environmental concerns.
Pune: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is stepping in. They’ve issued directions to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) over pollution issues at a waste dumping site. It seems there are some serious environmental regulations being violated.
The MPCB wants PCMC to come up with a solid action plan. They’ve got 15 days to get it together, as recommended by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). This is no small matter; they need to show they’re serious about compliance.
On January 16, the MPCB made it clear under the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. They also mentioned a bank guarantee of ₹2 lakh to ensure PCMC follows through. It’s a big deal when it comes to keeping our environment safe.
The NGT had a committee look into methane emissions in several cities, including Pune. They found that the methane was coming from PCMC’s solid waste processing site at Moshi. After that, the MPCB sent a letter to PCMC asking for compliance based on the committee’s findings.
PCMC did respond, but only partially. They haven’t started biomining the waste dumped during the pandemic. Plus, they’re still sending excess waste to landfills. There’s no system in place for collecting or using methane, and they aren’t even monitoring air quality or methane emissions properly.
A senior MPCB officer said PCMC needs to stop dumping fresh waste immediately. They must submit a plan for biomining old waste dumps and implement fire prevention measures at the sites. It’s crucial for the health of the community.
J S Salunkhe from MPCB emphasized the need for PCMC to keep detailed records of what’s being dumped. They should only allow segregated waste at landfill sites and regularly check methane levels to stay within safe limits.
PCMC has been told to kickstart biomining for the waste from the COVID-19 period. They also need to set up a solid waste processing plant to handle all the waste generated in their area.
Sanjay Kulkarni from PCMC mentioned they’ve been working on biomining for over a year. They’ve been managing the waste from COVID-19 properly, including biomedical waste from hospitals.
He added that they have some methane monitoring systems in place but will be adding more as per the new directions. It’s all about keeping our environment clean and safe.