The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has taken stringent action against a manufacturing unit in Kondhwa, Pune. The unit, identified as ‘Jalaram Plastic’, was found in violation of multiple environmental regulations related to plastic manufacturing and storage norms.
During the inspection, MPCB officials seized approximately 300 kg of plastic below 300 microns in size from the premises of Jalaram Plastic. Subsequently, the board imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on the firm, which promptly paid the amount to officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). On July 1, MPCB initiated a closure proposal for the manufacturing unit, which was subsequently approved by the head-office in Mumbai. On July 10, MPCB issued a formal closure notice to Jalaram Plastic, citing severe violations of environmental regulations and non-compliance with statutory requirements. The closure notice highlighted several key infractions, including the unit’s failure to obtain an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificate from the competent authority and lacking plastic registration under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Additionally, the unit was manufacturing plastic bags without handles below 50 microns and had neglected to display MPCB consent and EPR details on their products, contravening established norms.
According to the notice issued by MPCB, the unit’s operations posed significant environmental risks by disregarding provisions of the Water Act, 1974; Air Act, 1981; Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Products Notification, 2018; and other pertinent regulations concerning single-use plastics and plastic waste management. This regulatory crackdown underscores MPCB’s commitment to enforcing stringent environmental standards and ensuring compliance across industries. The action against Jalaram Plastic serves as a deterrent to other manufacturing units, emphasizing the imperative of adhering to environmental laws to mitigate adverse impacts on the environment. The closure of Jalaram Plastic marks a pivotal moment in MPCB’s efforts to uphold environmental sustainability and underscores the importance of responsible industrial practices in India’s regulatory landscape. Moving forward, MPCB continues to monitor and enforce compliance to safeguard environmental integrity and public health in Maharashtra.
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