Pune: MPCB Issues Warning to Bharat Forge Over River Pollution Allegations
Pune, 8th May 2024: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a stern warning to the forging multinational company Bharat Forge Limited for alleged noncompliance with consent terms, following a complaint regarding the discharge of substandard effluent containing oil into the Mula-Mutha River in Mundhwa.
The notice, dated April 29, mandated a week-long deadline for the firm to rectify the situation and take corrective measures.
Responding to the allegations, Bharat Forge asserted its status as a zero discharge facility, affirming its adherence to this principle by refraining from any discharge outside its premises. Furthermore, the company denied receiving any such notice from the MPCB.
The issue came to light after Mundhwa resident Abhijit Gaikwad lodged a complaint with the MPCB on March 19, alleging that Bharat Forge was discharging polluted water, tainted with foul-smelling oil, directly into the Mula-Mutha river from its industrial site in Survey No. 72/76 of the Mundhwa area.
Gaikwad cited concerns over the environmental impact, including an increase in mosquito population and contamination of riverbeds, affecting the local ecosystem and the quality of drinking water for nearby villagers. Despite previous attempts to address the issue, Gaikwad claimed that the discharge had resumed this year.
In response, an MPCB team conducted an on-site survey on April 24 to investigate the matter further. While no evidence of oil-containing effluent flowing outside the factory premises was observed, traces were found in the stormwater drain near the old effluent treatment plant. The notice cautioned the company to take preventive measures to mitigate any potential spillages or leakages to avoid environmental harm, particularly during unexpected rain.
Additionally, Bharat Forge was instructed to undertake the cleaning of the stormwater drain and nullah near the railway bridge as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, with a deadline for submission of a compliance report set for one week from April 29.
