Pawana River Pollution: MPCB Assesses Rs 2.58 Crore Compensation Against 4 Entities
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 21st September 2026: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has assessed environmental damage compensation totalling ₹2,58,17,500 against three industrial units and a real-estate developer over pollution-related violations linked to the Pawana River.
The assessment was submitted through an affidavit dated September 9, 2026, before the National Green Tribunal’s Western Zone Bench in Pune in Original Application No. 154 of 2024.
According to the affidavit, the compensation assessed against the four entities is:
Ganga Papers India Ltd.: ₹1.71 crore
Rising Propcon LLP: ₹62,62,500
Manegrow Agro Products Pvt. Ltd.: ₹20,75,000
Karagya Foods Private Ltd.: ₹3,80,000
The MPCB calculated the compensation by applying the methodology recommended by the Central Pollution Control Board, taking into account factors such as the pollution category, duration of the violation, scale of operations and location.
The MPCB’s inspection reports recorded several alleged environmental violations. These included the discharge of wastewater or leachate into nearby drains leading to the Pawana River, inadequate operation of sewage and effluent treatment facilities, improper storage and disposal of sludge and waste, and failures to comply with regulatory directions.
At the hearing on September 10, 2026, the NGT noted that the MPCB had submitted inspection reports and calculated environmental compensation against the four entities. Before taking further action, the tribunal directed that they be added as respondent numbers 9 to 12 in the case. The newly added respondents have been asked to submit their replies within four weeks.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on October 15, 2026.
Applicant Advocate Krunnal Gharre said the findings demonstrated the importance of tracing pollution to its source and holding the responsible entities financially accountable.
“The investigation identified pollution sources and resulted in environmental compensation being assessed against the concerned entities. A similar, independent and comprehensive investigation is therefore required within the limits of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation,” Gharre said.
He said a request would be made before the NGT for the constitution of a joint committee to investigate pollution entering the Pawana River from areas within PCMC’s jurisdiction.
The proposed investigation would examine untreated sewage entering the river and its tributary drains, industrial discharges, the performance of sewage treatment plants, sewer networks and other major pollution sources. The PCMC area includes extensive industrial zones, residential settlements, construction projects and commercial establishments.
Gharre said that identifying the actual sources of pollution within PCMC limits could pave the way for environmental compensation and further action under applicable environmental laws.
“The same standards of investigation and accountability must be applied throughout the Pawana River basin, including the stretch falling within PCMC limits,” he said.
