The National Green Tribunal's (NGT) Western Zone Bench in Pune has ordered an immediate stop to construction at a residential project in the city's Baner area. This decisive action came on Friday after the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) presented a damning report highlighting multiple violations of environmental norms related to dust, noise, and construction waste management.
Residents' Petition Triggers NGT Scrutiny
The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by the Supreme Pallacio Cooperative Housing Society against a real estate Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). The residents, represented by advocates Maitreya Ghorpade and Manasi Thakare, alleged that the ongoing construction near their building was causing severe pollution, adversely affecting their lives. They sought an interim injunction to halt the work until adequate measures to control air pollution were put in place.
In their application, the society detailed the problems: high noise levels, excessive airborne dust, and improper handling of construction and demolition waste. Following the petition, notices were issued to the State of Maharashtra, the MPCB, the Pune Municipal Corporation, and the real estate company in question.
MPCB Inspection Uncovers Serious Lapses
The NGT examined the MPCB's inspection findings from July 15, which laid bare a series of regulatory failures at the construction site. The report pointed to several critical shortcomings:
- Inadequate acoustic barriers to mitigate noise pollution.
- Improper storage of construction materials, leading to dust dispersion.
- Absence of designated and controlled areas for grinding or cutting operations.
- Lack of water sprinkling systems to suppress dust.
- Failure to comply with the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules.
The MPCB informed the tribunal that based on these findings, it had issued directions to the real estate company on September 9. However, the NGT bench observed that the pollution board should have taken more timely and stringent action following its own inspection.
NGT's Directive and Future Hearings
The builder, in its defense, argued that it had responded to the MPCB's directions via a letter dated September 24. The tribunal then directed the MPCB to evaluate this reply and take appropriate legal action. Until then, the bench issued a clear interim order.
"Till the next date, we direct that MPCB shall ensure that project proponent does not proceed with the construction activities till they adopt and provide all the necessary measures to bring the dust and noise pollution within the prescribed standards/parameters for construction at the site in question," the NGT ordered.
Advocate Maitreya Ghorpade told the Times of India that the main case has been listed for a final hearing on April 17, 2026, with the tribunal noting the matter is now 'ripe' for final disposal. Separately, the builder's request for an urgent hearing on the interim application has been scheduled for December 8, 2025. A representative of the real estate company declined to comment on the NGT's order.
This case underscores the growing vigilance of residents and judicial bodies in enforcing environmental compliance in rapidly developing urban areas like Pune. The order sends a strong message to developers about the non-negotiable nature of pollution control norms during construction activities.
