Pune: A recent visit by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) chairman Siddhesh Kadam to the Mercedes-Benz plant in Chakan has raised questions regarding the nature of the visit—whether it was a casual visit or a formal inspection.
The visit, which took place on August 23, has since sparked controversy following conflicting statements from board officials and the issuance of a subsequent notice to the company.
The controversy began when Kadam, while attending an event in Pune, made an unscheduled visit to the Mercedes-Benz facility in Chakan. He was accompanied by officials from the MPCB.
Following this visit, regional officer Jagannath Salunkhe claimed that the visit was informal, stating that no official inspection was carried out at the plant.
This explanation was given in response to rumors that surfaced on social media, which suggested that Mercedes-Benz had violated environmental regulations. These posts were later deleted, intensifying public suspicion about the true purpose of the visit.
However, this narrative shifted on September 19, when the MPCB issued an official notice to Mercedes-Benz, revealing that an inspection had indeed taken place during Kadam’s visit. The notice directly contradicted Salunkhe’s earlier statement, casting doubt on the board’s transparency in handling the matter.
Adding to the confusion, the notice also revealed that a subsequent inspection was conducted on September 4. Despite these developments, the MPCB has not provided a clear explanation for the discrepancy between the original claims and the details included in the official notice.
The notice itself highlighted serious violations at the Mercedes-Benz plant, accusing the company of discharging polluted air and water into the environment.
The MPCB has demanded a response from the automaker within 15 days, requiring them to explain why legal action should not be taken.
If Mercedes-Benz fails to provide a satisfactory response, they could face legal proceedings under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.