MIDC and MPCB to launch joint crackdown on improper waste disposal

Pune: The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will carry out joint inspections of housing complexes and commercial facilities in Hinjewadi to see whether they are correctly operating their sewage treatment plants (STPs). Those failing to do so will be penalised, officials said.The move follows rising complaints regarding improper sewage disposal by these entities. These violations have led to persistent foul odours and blockage of underground storm-water pipes designed to prevent monsoon flooding.“There have been increasing instances where facilities are not treating sewage properly,” said Rajendra Totla, executive engineer, MIDC. “This not only creates public nuisance but also hinders the functionality of underground pipes meant to drain rainwater from the roads.”Over the past few months, MIDC has issued multiple notices to residential and commercial units, urging them to rectify their disposal methods. Last week, fresh notices were served to three companies in Phase 2 of the Hinjewadi IT Park. This specific area is particularly vulnerable to waterlogging during heavy rain due to natural runoff from higher elevations.The issue has now been escalated to the MPCB. Babasaheb Kukade, MPCB regional officer for Pune, confirmed that the regulator is prepared to conduct joint inspections. “We will take strict action if non-compliance is found. While some companies have already taken corrective steps following our warnings, we remain open to joint enforcement in the area,” Kukade said.The environmental impact is already affecting local infrastructure and public health. During routine maintenance, MIDC officials discovered that one company had illegally installed an outlet to discharge untreated sewage directly into an underground duct reserved for rainwater.“This hampered our maintenance work as labourers were unwilling to enter the ducts due to the presence of raw sewage,” Totla added. Beyond the risk of flooding, officials warned that declining hygiene conditions could soon impact commuters and residents alike.A significant hurdle for MIDC is that several offending establishments are located just outside its direct jurisdiction. To address this, MIDC has written to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), requesting they take action against entities contributing to pollution and drainage issues in the industrial township.