Pune — Six individuals, including truck owners and drivers, have been booked by Bhosari police for illegally dumping industrial and hazardous waste in and around the Moshi quarry area, posing serious environmental and health risks to the region.
The case was registered following a complaint filed by Yogesh Alhat, Deputy Engineer of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)'s Environment Department, after authorities uncovered the illegal dumping operation.
Nighttime Operations Exposed
Investigations revealed that the accused were secretly transporting hazardous waste at night from locations outside PCMC limits and dumping it at the quarry site. The clandestine nature of the operation made detection difficult, as the perpetrators operated under the cover of darkness to avoid surveillance.
PCMC's flying squads had previously attempted to apprehend the culprits in August during one of their nighttime operations. However, the accused managed to flee the scene, evading capture at that time.
The persistent surveillance and investigation efforts by municipal authorities eventually led to the identification and booking of the six individuals involved in the illegal waste disposal network.
Environmental and Health Hazards
Environmental officials have warned that the illegal dumping poses significant risks to the area. The hazardous waste threatens to contaminate groundwater sources, which could affect drinking water supplies for nearby communities.
Additionally, experts have raised concerns about the potential spread of contagious diseases among both humans and animals due to exposure to the improperly disposed industrial waste. The dumping site's proximity to residential areas and agricultural land has amplified these concerns.
Legal Action Under Environmental Laws
Legal action has been initiated against the accused under multiple environmental protection statutes, including the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and the Environment (Protection) Act. These laws provide for stringent penalties, including imprisonment and heavy fines, for violations related to hazardous waste disposal.
The charges reflect the serious nature of the offense and the authorities' commitment to protecting the environment and public health.
PCMC's Ongoing Crackdown
The Moshi quarry case is part of PCMC's broader crackdown on illegal waste dumping across its jurisdiction. In the past year alone, the municipal corporation has imposed fines totaling ₹1.72 crore across 3,462 cases of illegal dumping violations.
The aggressive enforcement approach demonstrates PCMC's determination to curb unauthorized waste disposal and hold violators accountable. Municipal officials have vowed to continue intensified surveillance and swift action against those who flout environmental regulations.
Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious waste dumping activities through the municipal corporation's helpline to strengthen enforcement efforts.
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