In a recent development, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to pay a fine of ₹1.79 crore as environmental compensation to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). This penalty stems from violations committed at a 1.89-acre dumping site in Wagholi, previously under the jurisdiction of the Wagholi gram panchayat and now part of PMC.
Background and Violations
The NGT’s decision follows a joint report submitted by MPCB highlighting environmental breaches at the Wagholi site. Originally used by the gram panchayat for waste disposal, activities were ceased in 2021 following Wagholi’s merger into PMC.
Legal Proceedings and PMC’s Response
During proceedings, PMC’s legal representative, Rahul Garg, assured the tribunal of PMC’s readiness to pay the compensation. The PMC intends to allocate this fund towards establishing a solid waste processing plant at the site, which has received approval from the NGT bench comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Vijay Kulkarni.
Future Plans and Environmental Impact
The NGT’s directive includes an order for Pune district collector to allocate the site to PMC within two months for setting up the waste processing plant. Until the plant’s completion, PMC has been permitted to utilize the site as a “transfer station” for solid waste collection, in accordance with SWM Rules of 2016.
Community Concerns and Tribunal’s Ruling
The original application filed in 2020 by Dagadkhan Asanghatit Kamgar Vikas Parishad raised concerns over the site’s environmental impact and its proximity to local communities. The NGT rejected subsequent intervention attempts, emphasizing compliance with SWM Rules and dismissing claims related to the site being a cremation ground.
