MPCB Issues Notices To 270 Marriage Halls In Pune For Environmental Violations

Following directives from the National Green Tribunal (Western Zone), the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued notices to 270 marriage halls within Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) jurisdiction for alleged breaches of environmental and noise pollution regulations. 

The directives came from a bench comprising judicial member Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Dr Vijay Kulkarni, who were addressing a 2018 plea by Sujal Sahakari Gruha Rachana Sanstha Maryadit, represented by lawyer Aseem Sarode. The petition highlighted noise and environmental pollution caused by marriage halls and lawns along the 100-foot DP Road, stretching from Mhatre Bridge to Rajaram Bridge.

During a prior hearing, the green panel criticised the MPCB for failing to personally verify violations at marriage halls, accusing the board of issuing notices perfunctorily. The MPCB's counsel admitted that the civic body had only provided details for three specific locations instead of a comprehensive list of marriage halls.

The green panel then directed the PMC to supply a complete list of marriage halls in the city to the MPCB within a week and mandated the MPCB to submit a compliance report within a month. The next hearing is scheduled for 8 May.

By the end of March, the MPCB had sent notices to 270 marriage halls, including lawns and banquet halls, requiring evidence of compliance with the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act within seven days.

Ravindra Andhale, Regional Officer (Pune division) reportedly stated, “We have received a list of marriage halls, lawns, lounges, banquets and other wedding venues from the PMC. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has established regulations regarding waste management and related issues. In accordance with these regulations, we have issued notices to these establishments. Further action will be based on their responses. It is necessary for marriage halls to adhere to norms and regulations regarding noise levels, sewage facilities, domestic waste, fireworks, loudspeakers and compliance with air and water quality standards. Only a few have shown compliance with these regulations.”