Pollution Control Board Takes Strict Measures to Ensure Compliance with Air and Noise Pollution Regulations
In a bid to address environmental concerns and uphold pollution control standards, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued notices to 270 hotels and clubs across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The establishments have been cited for various violations, prompting regulatory action under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control) Act, 1981.
According to officials, the notices were dispatched last week, emphasizing the imperative for these establishments to curb particulate matter (PM) emissions while also addressing issues related to odour and noise pollution within their premises.
Ravindra Andhale, the regional officer at MPCB, Pune, highlighted the seriousness of the matter, stating, “Our team will conduct thorough inspections of these hotels and clubs, and stringent measures will be taken, including potential closure, if compliance with the prescribed norms is not achieved.”
Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are among the 19 cities designated for targeted interventions under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), underscoring the urgency of enforcing pollution control measures in these areas.
Additionally, it has been emphasized that hotels, restaurants, and clubs must implement measures to mitigate water pollution, including the installation of effluent treatment plants (ETPs) to treat wastewater generated from kitchen activities, laundry operations, and domestic sewage disposal.
Ganesh Shetty, the president of the Pune Hoteliers Association, acknowledged the efforts undertaken by the hospitality industry to adopt eco-friendly practices. “Many hotels have transitioned to using LPG as a cleaner alternative to coal or wood, despite the associated cost implications. Complaints regarding non-compliance with pollution norms, especially in banquet halls, have seen a significant decline over the years,” Shetty remarked.
As MPCB intensifies its enforcement measures, stakeholders are urged to prioritize environmental sustainability and adhere to prescribed regulations to mitigate the adverse impact of pollution on public health and ecological balance.
