Hey there, folks! Today we’ve got some hot news coming out of Pune regarding the open burning of garbage at the Hadapsar industrial dumping site. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Western Zone Bench recently took up the case after a news report shed light on the severe air pollution caused by this practice, affecting around 200 families in the area.
It was reported that a significant fire had broken out at the depot in the past, exacerbating the pollution problem. The NGT wasted no time and directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the District Magistrate of Pune to respond to the situation.
However, during a hearing on December 10, 2024, it was revealed that the site actually falls under the jurisdiction of the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) and not the PMC. As a result, the PCB was added as a respondent to the case. Despite notices being sent to the PCB, they failed to show up or file any response.
The NGT expressed concern over the PCB’s absence and emphasized the need for immediate action to address environmental pollution. In response, the tribunal imposed a penalty of Rs. 1,00,000 on the CEO of the Pune Cantonment Board for the delay caused. The amount will be used to provide legal aid to applicants not represented by counsel.
The CEO of the Pune Cantonment Board has been directed to file a response within one month and appear virtually at the next hearing scheduled for January 27, 2025. A copy of the order has been sent to the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and the CEO of the Pune Cantonment Board for compliance.
So, it looks like things are heating up in Pune as the NGT cracks down on open garbage burning. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
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