MPCB Issues Notice to PMC Over Rising Pollution in Pune, 15-Day Deadline Given

Pune, 8th April 2026: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a notice to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), citing the civic body’s failure to effectively curb rising pollution levels in the city. PMC has been given 15 days to implement corrective measures, particularly in the areas of solid waste management, sewage treatment and air pollution control.

The action follows a review meeting conducted by MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam with PMC officials, during which the civic body presented an action plan to address pollution concerns. However, the board observed that several key measures outlined in the plan have yet to be implemented.

According to MPCB’s findings, Pune generates around 980 million litres of sewage every day, but the existing treatment infrastructure remains inadequate. Nearly 500 million litres of untreated sewage is reportedly discharged into the Mula and Mutha rivers through 10 drainage channels, contributing significantly to water pollution. The board has directed PMC to ensure complete sewage treatment by setting up adequate treatment plants within six months.

The civic body has also been asked to establish a comprehensive sewage pipeline network across the city within four months and submit both short-term and long-term plans for drain cleaning within 15 days.

On the solid waste front, MPCB has mandated 100 percent waste segregation at source and strengthening of door-to-door garbage collection systems with adequate vehicles, equipment and trained manpower. PMC has also been instructed to operationalise a construction and demolition waste processing facility within a month and avoid unscientific dumping at garbage depots. The board has also sought a report on biomining processes and directed the installation of firefighting systems at dumping sites.

The notice further highlights concerns over worsening air pollution. PMC has been directed to take stringent steps to control vehicular emissions and reduce dust from roads and construction sites. MPCB has also flagged pollution caused by open burning of waste, crematoriums and construction activities, urging strict enforcement of regulations to curb such practices.

MPCB Regional Officer Babasaheb Kukde confirmed that despite PMC submitting an action plan, implementation has been slow, prompting the issuance of the notice.

PMC officials, however, said efforts are underway to address the concerns. Chief Engineer (Electrical) Manisha Shekatkar stated that currently around 50 percent of the city’s sewage is treated. Work on 11 new sewage treatment plants under the JICA project is in progress, along with additional facilities at Keshavnagar and Ramtekdi. She added that approvals for projects in newly merged villages are pending with the central government.

Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Avinash Sapkal said a construction and demolition waste processing plant at Wagholi with a capacity of 250 tonnes per day is already operational. He added that efforts are being intensified to improve waste segregation at source.

Environment Officer Ganesh Sonune said that 300 air quality index sensors have been installed across construction sites to monitor pollution levels. Measures such as covering construction sites with protective netting and taking action against polluting ready-mix concrete plants are also being implemented.

With pollution levels continuing to rise, MPCB’s directive places pressure on PMC to act swiftly and ensure compliance within the stipulated timeframe.