MIDC Directs Top Developers to Mitigate Pollution in Hinjewadi IT Park, Pune

The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has sent notices to prominent real estate developers Reyaansh Logistics, Gera Projects, Godrej Properties, and Pegassus Properties, urging them to reduce air and sound pollution in the Megapolis area of Hinjewadi IT park. This action comes after several complaints from residents regarding improperly covered and overloaded trucks carrying earth and debris, leading to significant dust accumulation on the road surface.

Megapolis is a large residential real estate cluster in phase III of Hinjewadi. The area is home to multiple construction projects by various developers. This is the second time MIDC has issued such notices based on residents' complaints.

MIDC executive engineer RG Totla stated, 'Debris and dust from the vehicles cause significant health hazards to Megapolis area residents, who we recently met. We have directed the developers to comply with the guidelines.' The residents have been raising concerns about the environmental impact of ongoing construction activities, which have led to deteriorating air quality and increased noise levels.

All four developers have responded to the notices, asserting their compliance with environmental norms and regulations. A spokesperson from Godrej Properties said, 'As a responsible and environmentally conscious real estate developer, Godrej Projects remains fully committed to complying with all applicable regulations across its project sites. It will immediately seek to address any identified lapses. Sustainability, transparency, and regulatory compliance are central to the company's operations, and it is engaging with relevant authorities to address their concerns.'

Gera Developments also released a statement, emphasizing their adherence to air and sound pollution control guidelines issued by MIDC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). 'We have been implementing all measures at our Hinjewadi site on an ongoing basis. This includes covered transportation of materials, dust suppression through water sprinkling and fogging, restricted vehicle movement, installation of CCTV and air quality monitoring systems, and adherence to prescribed working hours,' the statement noted.

Reyaansh Logistics' Samar Gite confirmed that the company has responded to the MIDC query and is compliant with the conditions mentioned in the notice. Pegassus Properties, however, could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

Local residents have been vocal about the issues they face due to the pollution. Satyajit Rautray, a resident, expressed concerns about the lack of measures to control dust and noise pollution. 'Water must be sprinkled on the road, and truck tires should be cleaned to prevent dust pollution. We have raised the issue with the local authorities, and some measures are being implemented after their intervention.'

Prateek Joshi, who has lived in the area for over seven years, said he has stopped using a two-wheeler because dust and debris make the roads slippery. 'Building residents keep their doors and windows closed round the clock because of continuous construction dust. The decibel levels and air quality have worsened significantly, even during early mornings.'

Nitin Sharma, another resident, added that the noise and air quality in the area resemble those of an industrial zone rather than a residential one. 'Continuous construction activity is taking a toll on people's health, especially children and senior citizens. We have approached the MPCB, which has issued directions to the developers.'

The residents' concerns highlight the urgent need for developers to implement effective pollution control measures to ensure a healthier living environment in Hinjewadi IT park. The MIDC's intervention is a step towards addressing these issues and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.