Pune: Supreme Court Issues Notices Over Violations at Sus Road Garbage Plant, PMC Pulled Up for Inaction

Pune, 28th September 2025: The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of alleged violations at the garbage processing plant located on Sus Road in Baner and the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) failure to act despite repeated complaints from residents.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice of India has issued notices to Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Dr. S. Venkata Mohan (Director, NEERI), and Nuriel Lakshman Pezarkar (CEO, Noble Exchange Environment Solutions, the private operator of the plant). The three have been named as personal contemnors in a contempt petition filed by the Sus Road–Baner Vikas Manch through Advocate Satya Muley.

The petition alleges blatant violations of environmental laws and non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s earlier directives issued in September 2024. Residents say the plant continues to emit foul odour, release hazardous waste, and create severe hygiene and health concerns in surrounding neighbourhoods.

“Despite the court’s clear instructions, neither the PMC nor the operator has taken corrective measures. The situation has worsened with high levels of ammonia in the air and bird droppings of food waste across homes. This has made daily life unbearable for residents,” said Adv. Muley.

Local residents have accused the PMC of siding with the private operator instead of addressing public health concerns. An RTI filed by petitioners revealed that NEERI, which was directed to conduct environmental audits every six months, failed to carry them out.

Community members, including senior citizens and children, have repeatedly staged protests, citing health issues such as respiratory illnesses and chronic headaches. “For nearly a decade, we have been forced to live in a stinking environment, unable to breathe fresh air or step outdoors. This is a fundamental rights violation,” said Mrs. Sarala Shinde, a resident.

Petitioners also highlighted concerns over the plant’s location, alleging encroachment on private property and environmental damage to the adjoining bio-diversity park. They further claimed that no mandatory plantation work was undertaken despite court directions.

“This contempt petition is not just about compliance—it is about restoring dignity and quality of life for thousands of residents. The ultimate goal is to relocate the garbage processing plant away from residential areas,” Muley told the court.

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the PMC Commissioner, NEERI Director, and Noble Exchange CEO. The matter will now proceed with further hearings.