Pune: Political Pressure Leads to Rs 2.81 Crore Compensation for Wet-Waste Project
Pune, 22nd November 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will pay Rs 2.81 crore in compensation to Noble Exchange Enviro after the company incurred losses due to the temporary closure of its wet-waste-to-bio-CNG project in Sus. The project remained shut from January 2024 to June 2025 following political pressure ahead of the assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
The Noble Exchange Enviro project, operated by the company under Municipal Corporation oversight, processes wet waste to produce bio-CNG. In recent years, residential developments had grown around the site, and residents repeatedly complained about the stench emanating from the facility. These complaints, amplified ahead of elections, led local political leaders to stage protests, pressuring the Municipal Corporation to halt operations and relocate the project.
The High Court had ordered the relocation of the project, but the Municipal Corporation approached the Supreme Court, which ruled in its favor in September 2024. The apex court also directed the Corporation to implement measures to control odour at the site and protect the ongoing operations.
Despite the verdict, election-related pressures slowed project operations between January 2024 and June 2025, causing significant financial losses to Noble Exchange Enviro. The company initially claimed compensation of Rs 6–7 crore. Following an inquiry appointed by the Municipal Commissioner, the amount was revised to Rs 2.81 crore. The Municipal Corporation’s Standing Committee approved the payment in a meeting held on Thursday.
Officials said the compensation is intended to offset the losses suffered during the prolonged closure period while ensuring that the project continues to serve its environmental purpose. The wet-waste-to-bio-CNG project is a crucial initiative for managing waste and producing renewable energy, contributing to the city's sustainability goals.
The closure of the project had a ripple effect on the local community, affecting not only the company but also the residents who benefited from the reduction in waste and the production of bio-CNG. The Municipal Corporation is now focusing on implementing the Supreme Court’s directives to prevent similar issues in the future and to maintain the project's operational efficiency.
The compensation highlights the complex interplay between political pressures and environmental initiatives, underscoring the need for transparent and consistent governance to support sustainable projects. The PMC has assured that it will take proactive measures to address residents' concerns while ensuring the smooth operation of essential services.
