MIDC Faces MPCB Directives Over Pollution in Hinjewadi IT Park
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to take immediate corrective measures in response to allegations of pollution at the Rajeev Gandhi Information Technology (IT) Park in Hinjewadi. The environmental watchdog’s action follows concerns regarding the discharge of untreated sewage into nearby rivers and nullahs, which has raised significant environmental and public health issues.
According to officials, MPCB issued the directive on Tuesday, demanding that MIDC submit an ‘action taken report’ within seven weeks. This follows a proposal for legal action submitted by MPCB’s sub-regional officer, highlighting the severity of the situation and the violation of environmental standards by MIDC. The MPCB has emphasized the urgent need for proper sewage treatment and water reuse mechanisms. The primary instruction is for MIDC to treat the sewage waste generated within the IT park and reuse the treated water for secondary purposes.
This is in line with the environmental consent conditions set by the MPCB. However, officials noted that MIDC’s existing sewage treatment plant (CSTP) has been underperforming, primarily due to the absence of a comprehensive drainage network, resulting in untreated and partially treated wastewater being discharged into the Mula River. To address this, MPCB has mandated MIDC to develop an efficient drainage system to collect all sewage and channel it to the CSTP. Additionally, all units of the CSTP must operate continuously, and a disinfection system should be put in place to ensure that the treated effluent meets the necessary quality standards.
Furthermore, MIDC is required to recycle the treated water for other uses, as per the conditions stipulated in their consent. MIDC has also been directed to provide a bank guarantee of ₹35 lakh to ensure compliance with the directives. Failure to meet the requirements will lead to further legal and regulatory actions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
The Hinjewadi IT Park, one of the major commercial hubs in Pune, has long been a focal point for industrial and environmental regulation. As the region continues to expand, it is crucial that infrastructure development aligns with sustainable practices to minimise environmental degradation and ensure the well-being of local communities.
