NGT Directs Maharashtra Government to Respond on Open Waste Burning Issue in Kharabwadi Village

Pune, December 16, 2024: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Maharashtra state government to submit a response regarding the ongoing open garbage burning in Kharabwadi village, located in the Chakan area of Pune. This move comes after a complaint raised concerns over the health hazards and fire risks posed by the practice, which has been ongoing for months.

The NGT's Western Bench, led by Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Vijay Kulkarni, took cognizance of the complaint filed by Ajay James, a senior official at a private company in Kharabwadi, in April 2024. James highlighted the regular burning of garbage near his company premises, which not only endangered the health of workers but also emitted harmful pollutants into the environment.

Following the complaint, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) was instructed to verify the claims, and in May, a hearing was scheduled for December 6. During the hearing, the tribunal issued a directive requiring the chief secretary of Maharashtra and eight other government departments to respond to the issue. These departments include the state urban development and rural development departments, the local gram panchayats of Kharabwadi and Biradwadi, the MPCB, and local municipal bodies.

The NGT has set a deadline for these agencies to submit their responses by January 26, 2025, ahead of the next hearing on February 2, 2025. The tribunal's order emphasizes the need for a comprehensive reply addressing the illegal burning and dumping of municipal solid waste, which has been a major concern for local residents and industrialists alike.

Reports from the MPCB indicate that the practice of dumping mixed waste, both dry and wet, into abandoned quarries in the area has been continuing unchecked. Following inspections in July 2024, the MPCB found non-compliance with waste management regulations and recommended legal action against the Chakan Municipal Council. A notice has since been issued to the council, requesting a corrective action plan.

The case underscores the growing concern over improper waste management and open burning, which poses significant environmental and health risks, particularly in industrial and residential areas. The NGT’s intervention highlights the need for stronger enforcement of waste management rules and accountability among local authorities.