Pune: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a notice to Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant, accusing the company of violating environmental regulations.

This comes after two separate inspections conducted on August 23 and September 4 by MPCB officials, which revealed significant lapses in the company’s adherence to pollution control norms.

The notice, issued on September 21, highlights several issues with the plant’s wastewater treatment facility.

Clarifiers and centrifuge units in the treatment plant were found to be non-operational, and despite previous directives, emission control devices for diesel engines had not been installed.

The plant’s wastewater treatment operations were also found to be poorly maintained, raising concerns about pollution levels and environmental safety.

The visit by MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam last month sparked controversy, as a social media post detailing the inspection and regulatory violations was abruptly removed.

The post had raised questions about the purpose and outcomes of the visit, though the subsequent issuance of a notice suggests the MPCB is taking action against the violations.

Jagannath Salunkhe, the Regional Officer of MPCB, confirmed that Mercedes-Benz had been issued the notice and that the company has 15 days to respond. "Several violations of pollution norms were found, and hence a notice has been issued," he stated.

In response, Mercedes-Benz India released a statement acknowledging the receipt of the notice. "We will review the points raised in the notice and respond accordingly. Our policy is to cooperate with governmental agencies," the company stated.