Pune: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has ordered ASK Chemicals, located in the Kurkumbh Industrial Area, to stop production immediately for causing air and water pollution and violating environmental regulations.

A notice was issued to the company on Tuesday (October 8) after repeated warnings were ignored. Complaints had been filed with the MPCB regarding violations by ASK Chemicals.

Upon inspection, board officials discovered multiple breaches of environmental rules. Despite instructions to rectify these issues, the company failed to take any corrective action, resulting in the shutdown order.

The company was found to have stored raw materials from Melzer Chemicals without authorization, and part of its 20-acre facility was being used by Melzer Chemicals for material storage, also without the required permissions from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the MPCB.

These violations, along with ongoing production after the expiration of their operating permit on May 31, prompted the MPCB to take strict action.

In its notice, the MPCB emphasized that production must stop immediately due to the pollution caused. ASK Chemicals is barred from resuming operations until further approval is granted. The board also warned of legal consequences if the company violates the shutdown order.

“Ask Chemicals has been causing air and water pollution and continued production after their permit had expired. We have issued a notice to halt production, and the company’s electricity and water supply will be cut off,” said Jagannath Salunkhe, Regional Officer, MPCB while speaking to mediapersons.