The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated high-level enforcement proceedings following a damning environmental report detailing massive, unscientific solid waste dumping along the sensitive banks of the Mula-Mutha river. The multi-agency compliance review was triggered after a joint investigation team exposed rampant environmental violations by the local gram panchayats of Loni Kalbhor and Kadamwakvasti, which sit directly adjacent to prominent educational hubs like the MIT Art, Design and Technology University campus.
The alarming report filed before the tribunal confirms that these two micro-civic bodies collectively dump over 13 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste every single day directly into open trenches and the riverbed. Ground inspections revealed towering heaps of unsegregated hazardous waste—including decomposing commercial plastic, toxic medical elements, construction debris, hotel waste, and slaughterhouse remains—emitting highly foul odors and actively catching fire. Air quality monitoring stations set up near the university perimeter recorded ambient air toxicity levels severely exceeding safe statutory limits.
The green tribunal took a critical view of the absolute statutory failure, noting that neither gram panchayat had secured mandatory clearances under the newly enacted Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. The NGT has issued strict, time-bound show-cause directions to both local administrations under provisions of the Water Act, 1974, and the Air Act, 1981. The state pollution board has been ordered to immediately quantify regional environmental damage costs and implement localized perimeter fencing to permanently block illegal municipal tractors from destroying Pune’s primary lifelines.
