Pune RMC Plant in Wadgaon Budruk Ordered to Pay ₹29.68 Lakh Environmental Compensation After Prolonged Pollution Violations

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench in Pune has reportedly directed a ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant operating in Wadgaon Budruk to pay ₹29.68 lakh as environmental damage compensation to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). According to reports, the penalty must be deposited within one month and will be utilised for environmental restoration in the affected neighbourhood. The facility has since been shut down following the tribunal's intervention.

Background of the Pollution Dispute

The RMC plant had reportedly been ordered closed by the MPCB in June 2024 following repeated complaints regarding pollution, health hazards, and violation of siting norms. Despite the closure directive, the facility allegedly continued its operations until mid-June 2025, reportedly running on a diesel generator even after its electricity supply had been disconnected in July 2024.

The case was brought before the NGT by a local resident whose home, a nearby school, and a bakery were all affected by the plant's operations. The complainant cited serious health risks and deteriorating air quality in the residential area. Investigations subsequently revealed that the plant had violated mandatory buffer-zone norms, being located in close proximity to a highway and an educational institution contrary to prescribed regulations.

Implications of the NGT Order

The ₹29.68 lakh penalty reportedly reflects the estimated environmental damage caused by emissions and dust throughout the period of violation. The funds are expected to be channelled towards cleaning up and restoring environmental quality in the neighbourhood, benefiting residents who had endured significant health and quality-of-life impacts. Similar regulatory actions have been observed in other parts of Maharashtra, with Pimpri Chinchwad leading pollution control efforts through stricter enforcement measures.

The shutdown of the plant sends a strong signal that regulatory and judicial authorities are prepared to penalise and act against industrial-scale pollution, even when offending units attempt to circumvent closure orders. This development comes amid increased scrutiny of construction-related pollution across Maharashtra.

Broader Impact on Environmental Enforcement and Citizen Rights

The verdict vindicates residents' complaints and demonstrates that citizen action through formal complaints or RTI-led disclosures can succeed in holding polluting units accountable. Earlier this year, residents of Haware Citi in Thane protested against hazardous ready-mix plants in their vicinity, highlighting growing public awareness about industrial pollution near residential zones.

The ruling underscores that environmental norms including buffer zones around sensitive areas, mandatory consent requirements, valid electricity supply documentation, and proper monitoring are not optional compliance measures. For homebuyers and residents in rapidly developing areas of Pune's expanding property market, this case serves as a reminder to verify the presence of industrial facilities near prospective properties.

Industry observers suggest that the order may dissuade other high-pollution units operating near residential zones from flouting environmental regulations, potentially improving air quality and public health in suburban and industrial-residential fringe areas. The case also reinforces the importance of understanding regulatory compliance when purchasing property near industrial or commercial zones.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and consult relevant authorities or legal professionals before making any decisions related to property purchase, environmental compliance, or investment. The information presented is based on available reports and may be subject to updates or changes.