Pune: Hazardous Waste Mismanagement at Talegaon CETP, MPCB Warns of Strict Action
Pune, 9th January 2025: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a stern notice to the Deputy Engineer of MIDC, Talegaon Sub-Division, citing severe environmental violations at the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) managed by M/s. Hydroair Tectonics PCD Ltd. in Talegaon Industrial Area, Pune.
The violations pertain to hazardous waste mismanagement and air and water pollution affecting the surrounding areas, including the Indrayani River.
The notice, signed by MPCB Regional Officer J.S. Salunkhe, highlights a series of compliance failures observed during an inspection on January 1, 2025, in response to complaints of illegal dumping and burning of hazardous waste at the CETP’s High Rate Transpiration System (HRTS) area.
Key Observations by MPCB Officials:
Non-Operational HRTS: The HRTS at the CETP was found non-functional.
Lack of Basic Infrastructure: The 50-acre HRTS site lacked a compound wall, display boards, proper scientific trenches, and necessary pipelines for treated effluent disposal.
Waste Dumping and Burning: Municipal solid waste, including organic matter, plastic, mattresses, and other materials, was observed burning on-site, causing severe air pollution.
Unregulated Effluent Dumping: Effluent was reportedly dumped on the HRTS land by a private tanker, violating prescribed safety norms.
Environmental Risks: A natural drainage channel running through the HRTS site slopes toward the Indrayani River, posing a risk of water contamination during the rainy season.
The inspection also revealed that local bodies, including Talegaon Dabhade Municipal Council and nearby village panchayats, were using the HRTS site as a dumping ground for municipal solid waste.
MPCB’s Directions to MIDC Deputy Engineer:
Immediate Cleanup: CETP authorities have been directed to remove all stagnated water and solid waste from the HRTS area.
Infrastructure Upgrade: The HRTS system must be upgraded, and proper fencing provided to prevent illegal dumping.
Round-the-Clock Operation: The CETP must be operated and maintained continuously to meet prescribed environmental standards.
The notice warns of further action under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, if a compliance report is not submitted within seven days.
The CETP in Talegaon Industrial Area, managed by M/s. Hydroair Tectonics, operates under a consent issued by MPCB, which requires strict adherence to pollution control norms. However, repeated violations and lack of maintenance have led to significant environmental degradation in the area.
The MPCB has instructed its Sub-Regional Officer, Pune-II, to serve a copy of the notice to the CETP management and ensure compliance with the directives.
