The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has defended its decision to issue a closure order to a unit of Baramati Agro Ltd, a company controlled by NCP MLA Rohit Pawar. The board argues that the sugar factory operated by the company has consistently violated environmental norms and has caused significant environmental damage.
The board’s response comes in the form of an affidavit filed with the Bombay High Court in response to the sugar factory’s challenge to the closure order. The factory, under the control of the MLA from the Sharad Pawar-led party, alleges that the decision to close it was influenced by politics. The board’s order, which was issued on September 27 and served on September 28, demanded the shutdown of the industrial unit within 72 hours.
On September 29, a bench of Justices Nitin M Jamdar and Manjusha Deshpande scheduled further hearings for October 6 and extended the board’s order until that date. On October 6, the bench extended the temporary relief until October 16 and scheduled another hearing for Friday.
The company claims it had obtained all necessary permissions and was granted environmental clearance in 2022. However, during a routine inspection of the Pune-based unit, the board allegedly discovered irregularities that led to the closure order.
In its affidavit, the board argues that the company’s claim that the order was issued in a “premeditated and motivated manner” is an “allegation made out of desperation.” The board contends that the factory had violated the terms and conditions outlined in its consent to operate and its environmental clearance, citing significant violations of environmental regulations.
The board emphasizes that the continued operation of the petitioner’s factory poses a threat to the environment and that operations should cease until appropriate remedial actions are taken and a compliance report is submitted to the board. The board seeks the dismissal of the company’s petition.