Polluting Neri Iron Ore Unit Ignores MPCB Notice Slapped A Month Ago The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) faces growing scrutiny over its enforcement capabilities after an iron ore processing unit in Neri village failed to address a show-cause notice issued nearly a month prior. The unit, located in Nagpur, has been accused of causing severe pollution by blanketing the surrounding area, including crops and water sources, with coal dust. Despite a formal notice from the MPCB, the company has not responded or taken corrective measures, raising concerns about regulatory accountability. The inspection of the unit, conducted by MPCB officials on February 26, revealed multiple violations of environmental standards. These included unchecked fugitive emissions from the rotary kiln and coal conveyor systems, as well as inadequate dust suppression mechanisms. Based on these findings, the MPCB issued a show-cause notice on March 17, granting the company seven days to submit an explanation and a corrective action plan. However, as of April 24, no response had been received, marking a delay of over five weeks beyond the deadline. The prolonged inaction has sparked criticism, particularly as pollution complaints continue to mount. The inspection report highlighted the absence of basic pollution mitigation infrastructure, such as ineffective water sprinkling systems to control dust. Additionally, the unit was found to be operating without enclosed storage facilities for raw materials and finished products, exacerbating the spread of particulate matter. Other lapses included the lack of pucca internal roads, which contribute to dust generation due to vehicular movement, and poor sewage management within the premises.#nagpur #maharashtra_pollution_control_board #neri_village #remote_monitoring_van #hema_deshpande
Drone survey ordered after joint inspection with MPCB at Gorewada Lake Nagpur: Following allegations of polluted water supply from Gorewada Lake, NMC commissioner Vipin Itankar directed a drone survey and fresh water sampling after a joint inspection with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials. The inspection focused on a stream originating from the Dabha sewage treatment plant (STP) and flowing toward the Gorewada forest area. MPCB officials collected water samples to assess contamination levels, though preliminary findings did not indicate an immediate threat. The civic chief instructed Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) officials to conduct a comprehensive drone survey of the stream’s entire course and collect samples from three distinct locations for further analysis. The inspection followed complaints from corporators regarding water quality issues linked to Gorewada Lake. During the visit, the commissioner inspected key sites, including Vayusena Nagar, the Dabha STP, the Gorewada forest area, Gorewada Lake itself, and several water treatment plants supplying the city. At the 5 MLD Dabha STP, officials noted that only 2 MLD of sewage is currently being treated, raising concerns about underutilization of the facility’s capacity. In Vayusena Nagar, the construction of a weir to divert sewage into the sewer network was reviewed, with NIT officials assuring completion within 15 days. Authorities also emphasized strict enforcement against residents illegally discharging sewage into drains despite having established sewer connections. At Gorewada Lake, officials reiterated that it is no longer a primary water source and is reserved for emergency use, such as during disruptions in supply from Navegaon Khairi.#nagpur_improvement_trust #gorewada_lake #maharashtra_pollution_control_board #nmc_commissioner_vipin_itankar #dabha_sewage_treatment_plant
HC Orders Verification of Permissions for Lawns, Marriage Halls in Nagpur The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Thursday directed authorities to verify whether lawns, marriage halls, and club houses in the Civil Lines area of the city hold valid permissions and adhere to noise pollution regulations. The court warned that licenses must be canceled if violations are found. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta issued the directive while hearing three public interest litigation (PIL) cases concerning noise pollution from social events held at such venues. The court emphasized that the enforcement of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and guidelines from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) rests with the local administration. During the hearing, counsel for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation informed the court that approximately 13 lawns, marriage halls, and club houses operate in the Civil Lines area. These include venues such as Swagat Lawn and Hall, Great Grand Lawn, Season Lawn, Sarpanch Bhavan, Gondwana Club, CP Club, Srushti Lawn, Officers Club, Ladies Club, Prestige Hall and Lawn, Jawahar Vidyarthi Sabhagruha, Satpuda Lawn, and Deshpande Sabhagruha. Referring to a 2016 circular by the MPCB, the bench noted that these establishments are required to install sewage treatment plants, maintain soundproofing systems, and obtain prior permission from authorities before using loudspeakers, DJs, or Dolby sound systems. When the court inquired whether these venues had secured the necessary permissions, the MPCB informed the bench that most had not, except for a few exceptions.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_municipal_corporation #maharashtra_pollution_control_board #civil_lines_area #swagat_lawn_and_hall
