Pune: MPCB serves notice to IT firm over noise, dust at construction site
The notice warned that if the company failed to respond within the given timeframe, MPCB would take action against the project. It stated that the firm had exceeded permissible noise limits during the construction of its new tower in Kalyaninagar. Additionally, the pollution board found that water was being discharged into a nearby nullah during excavation work.
In the notice, JS Salunkhe, regional officer of MPCB in Pune, asked why the company’s existing bank guarantee should not be forfeited and why further legal action should not be initiated against the construction project. The notice was prompted by complaints from residents of the Kumar Kruti housing society.
In response, a spokesperson for the firm stated that they had obtained all necessary legal clearances for the work but declined to comment further on the matter.
Residents of the Kumar Kruti housing society had raised concerns about excessive noise and dust from the construction site. One resident mentioned that they were considering moving to a different area until the work was completed, as the noise was unbearable and the dust had worsened their daughter's breathing problems.
Following these complaints, MPCB officials inspected the site on August 12 and October 10 to check compliance with regulations. They found that the firm had been conducting blasting activities without renewing its no-objection certificate, which had expired on August 24. The noise levels at the site were reported to have exceeded 80-90 decibels. In addition, the firm had not used sound absorption measures during digging, and blasting was occurring without proper permissions. Munir Vastani, a former secretary of the society, noted that cracks had appeared in their clubhouse and one of the building's pillars as a result of the construction work.