NGT Forms Multi-Agency Panel to Examine Pollution, Health Concerns Near Ranjangaon MIDC

Pune, 31st January 2026: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a six-member joint inspection committee to investigate allegations of widespread environmental contamination and related health impacts in villages surrounding Ranjangaon MIDC in Pune district. The order follows complaints of persistent pollution affecting air, water and soil in the region.

The case centers on alleged long-term pollution linked to a hazardous waste treatment facility operated by Maharashtra Enviro Power Limited. Petitioners have claimed the plant has been functioning without mandatory environmental clearances and statutory consents required under pollution control laws.

According to the plea filed by the Nimgaon Bhogi gram panchayat and the Shirur tehsildar, residents of Nimgaon Bhogi and nearby villages have been experiencing foul odours, suspected emissions of hazardous gases, and discharge of contaminated wastewater. These issues have reportedly led to health problems among both villagers and livestock. The applicants further alleged that repeated complaints to authorities over the years failed to result in effective corrective action.

The tribunal noted references in the petition to documented leakages from landfill cells at the facility dating back to 2015. A study by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) reportedly indicated seepage of contaminated water beyond the landfill site, affecting groundwater sources and Pazar Talav. Observations by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) pointing to pollution in the Ghod river — a key source of drinking and irrigation water — were also cited.

After reviewing the submissions, the NGT observed that there was prima facie evidence suggesting non-compliance with environmental norms. The tribunal pointed to alleged lapses in obtaining consent to establish and operate under the Water and Air Acts, along with the absence of prior environmental clearance as required under Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations.

Rejecting objections raised by the project operator, the tribunal said an independent and transparent assessment was necessary. It stressed that the inspection must be conducted fairly and in the presence of all concerned stakeholders.

The newly formed panel will include representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), CPCB, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), NEERI, the Directorate of Health, Government of Maharashtra, and the Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA). The MPCB has been designated as the nodal agency to coordinate the inspection and compile a comprehensive report.

The tribunal has directed the committee to conduct a site visit and submit a fact-based, action-taken report within one month. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 2.

Maharashtra Enviro Power Limited has faced previous allegations of environmental violations, and concerns regarding public and animal health in villages near Ranjangaon MIDC have also been raised in Parliament. In July 2024, MP Amol Kolhe highlighted the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha.