Fighting against POLLUTION to Save Environment

MAHARASHTRA POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD

Note on achievements of the Board (Summary of 2003 – 2007)

Dr. Dilip B. Boralkar worked as Member Secretary (Chief Executive Officer) of MPCB during November 2003 to May 2007. He was on deputation to the State Government from Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi. This note is prepared to present achievements of the Board during the tenure of Dr. Boralkar as Member Secretary. (Data Subject to verification)

1. Over a period of time, due to various enactments and rules under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Board has been charged with several responsibilities covering all kinds of environmental media (such as water, air, noise); wastes and solid wastes (such as municipal solid wastes, hazardous wastes, bio-medical waste, plastic wastes, etc.).
2. Enforcement and regulation activities of the Board are science and technology based. It requires multidisciplinary approach and matching internal capacity for effective functioning. Despite limited human resources, innovative methods like public-private partnership, technology demonstrations, information disclosure, awareness raising and empowerment of people were adopted for effective environmental administration.
3. Quick disposal of Consents and a friendly regulatory system improved compliance and attracted major investments to the State. Industries widely appreciated the improved system.
4. Significant reduction in public complaints and assembly questions on pollution was observed. Improved operation and maintenance of effluent treatment plants reduced wastewater discharge into the environment leading to better compliance of environmental standards.
5. Revenue income of the Board increased drastically due to outreach campaigns and improved recovery processes. Revenue crossed Rs. 100 Crores (Rs. 106 Cr), compared to Rs. 22 Cr three years earlier.
6. Strong team work of scientists and engineers contributed to the Board’s performance. Administrative discipline, staff welfare programs, training (India & abroad), appreciation of good work and intolerance of lethargy were introduced.
7. Infrastructure strengthening: Regional laboratories at Aurangabad, Pune, Nasik, and Nagpur were upgraded. The Central Laboratory “Nirmal Bhavan” was completed 4 months ahead of schedule and at Rs. 1.75 Cr less cost. The building was inaugurated by Hon’ble Shri Sharad Pawar.
8. New vehicles, field instruments and equipment were provided to improve environmental surveillance and monitoring across all regions.
9. Demonstration projects for pollution control and solid waste management were completed at Ambad (Jalna), Navapur (Nandurbar) and Sonpeth (Parbhani). New projects (e.g., Shani Shingnapur) were initiated. Environmental improvement project at Alandi also progressed with a MoU signed and Rs. 3 Cr committed.
10. Transparency was enhanced through media communication and improved website operations. The MPCB website became highly popular—even regularly visited by the President of India.
11. A coastal study was initiated with National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) for assessing pollution levels in 18 estuaries from Tarapur to Ratnagiri.
12. Enforcement of Bio-Medical Waste Rules improved drastically. Coverage increased from 1,600 units (2003–04) to 8,639 units, with 34 common facilities operational — making Maharashtra No. 1 in India.
13. Assessment of electronic waste generation in Mumbai & Pune was completed with financial support from UNEP (US $12,000). The study included feasibility of setting up recycling facilities.
14. The Supreme Court Monitoring Committee acknowledged MPCB’s work. 4 lakh+ MT of hazardous waste was removed and scientifically disposed at Taloja (PPP model). In-situ treatment of 2 lakh MT HW dump at Tarapur was completed.
15. Air quality monitoring network expanded from 29 stations (2003-04) to 79 stations, with regular data publication and online availability.
16. Drinking water monitoring stations increased from 48 to 394. Data was published regularly, making MPCB the only Pollution Control Board in India with such extensive monitoring.
17. First time in India: A web-based software system was developed for tracking hazardous waste generators, updating inventory, providing online access, search features, and online filing of annual returns.
18. Area-specific pollution control action plans were prepared for Pune, Solapur, Mumbai, Kolhapur and Chandrapur to systematically reduce pollution over time.
19. Summary of achievements is documented in Tables 1 to 4.