PUNE: The National Green Tribunal’s Western Zone Bench in Pune has ordered a halt to construction activity at a residential project in Baner after the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) reported several violations concerning dust, noise, and construction waste norms.
The tribunal issued this directive while addressing a petition from the Supreme Pallacio Cooperative Housing Society against a real estate LLP, which alleged significant pollution impacting the residents. The residents requested an interim injunction to stop construction until proper measures were taken to manage air pollution.
The NGT reviewed the MPCB’s inspection report from July 15, which noted insufficient acoustic barriers, poor storage practices for construction materials, a lack of controlled grinding or cutting areas, inadequate water sprinkling, and non-compliance with construction and demolition waste regulations.
The MPCB informed the tribunal that it had already directed the real estate company on September 9 regarding these findings, to which the tribunal remarked that timely actions should have been taken on those findings.
The society, represented by advocates Maitreya Ghorpade and Manasi Thakare, submitted an interim application highlighting that ongoing construction near their building was causing high noise levels, airborne dust, and mismanagement of waste. Notices were served to the State of Maharashtra, MPCB, Pune Municipal Corporation, and the real estate company.
The builder contended that they had responded to MPCB’s directives in a letter dated September 24. Consequently, the tribunal instructed MPCB to evaluate the response and act according to the law.
The bench stated, “Until the next hearing, the MPCB must ensure that the project proponent refrains from construction activities until all necessary measures to control dust and noise pollution are implemented in compliance with the established standards for the site.”
In comments to TOI, Ghorpade noted the main case is scheduled for final hearing on April 17, 2026, as the tribunal declared the matter is now ‘ripe’ for final resolution. Meanwhile, the builder’s request for an urgent hearing regarding the interim application is set for December 8, 2025.
The representative of the real estate company declined to comment on the situation.
