Pune: Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) Chairperson Siddhesh Kadam recently made an unexpected visit to the Mercedes-Benz plant in Chakan, Pune, sparking controversy and raising questions about the visit's purpose.
While the MPCB initially shared details of the visit on the social media platform ‘X,’ these were later removed, leading to speculation about the true nature of the visit.
Siddhesh Kadam, who is the son of former minister Ramdas Kadam, has been a controversial figure since his appointment as MPCB Chairperson. During his visit to Pune for a private event, he toured the Mercedes-Benz plant on Friday (August 23), accompanied not by MPCB officials but by 30-35 private individuals.
The MPCB later clarified that the visit was to inspect the compliance of the sewage treatment facilities at the plant. However, after facing public criticism, details of the visit were removed from ‘X.’
The company clarified that it had not received any notice for violations, although it was later announced that the Pune Regional Pollution Control Department would issue a notice on Monday (August 25).
This incident has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who questioned whether it is appropriate to target ongoing industries, especially when the state is struggling to attract new projects.
Adding to the controversy, it was revealed that Siddhesh Kadam also visited another company on the same day. However, the MPCB remained silent about this visit, further fueling questions about the Chairman's intentions. While details of the Mercedes-Benz visit were publicly shared, the second visit was kept under wraps.
The absence of the MPCB Secretary during these visits has also been noted, as it is customary for the Secretary to accompany the Chairman on such inspections.
The unannounced nature of these visits has led to further speculation about whether they were planned inspections or sudden raids.
