Pune: Pollution From Mahanand Dairy Plant In Varvand Triggers Health Crisis; Villagers Protest For Action

Daund, 25th April 2025: Residents of Varvand village in Daund taluka have raised serious concerns over health hazards caused by air and water pollution from the Mahanand Dairy Milk Powder Plant. Despite repeated complaints, authorities failed to act, prompting villagers to stage a protest outside the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) office on Thursday (24th April). Following the demonstration, the Board has finally initiated action against the project.

The Mahanand Plant in Varvand is currently operated by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Coal is used as fuel for the plant’s boiler system, resulting in the release of thick black smoke and dust into the atmosphere. Surrounding homes and farms have been coated in soot, and local residents are experiencing respiratory issues, chronic coughing, and other health problems due to poor air quality.

Adding to the crisis, untreated wastewater from the plant is being released into the environment, contaminating water sources and spreading foul odors throughout the area. Despite lodging several complaints with the company, no corrective measures had been taken.

Frustrated by inaction, the villagers turned to protest. They gathered at the MPCB office and demanded immediate intervention. Protesters highlighted the escalating health problems linked to the pollution, claiming that frequent illnesses had become common in the community.

Following the protest, Regional Officer Jagannath Salunkhe from the MPCB met with the villagers and gave them a written assurance of action. He informed them that the Board had already issued a notice to Mahanand Plant on 21st April. The notice cites the company’s failure to implement air pollution control measures and its irregular operation of the sewage treatment facility.