Pune: Pubs in Kalyani Nagar Operate Without MPCB Approval, Say Concerned Residents

Kalyani Nagar, 9th September 2024: In a recent revelation, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has confirmed that none of the pubs and bars in the residential area of Kalyani Nagar, Pune, have been granted the necessary consent to operate. This information has come to light following a complaint lodged by Team Swachh Kalyani Nagar (TSKN), a local citizen group advocating for cleaner, safer neighborhoods.

Residents have expressed growing concerns over the proliferation of pubs and bars in the area, particularly in light of the fact that these establishments are situated within close proximity to residential complexes. The complaint submitted to MPCB questioned how these businesses could operate without securing the necessary environmental clearances.

Aaditya Patil, a resident and member of TSKN, said, “It’s shocking to learn that these pubs have been running for so long without the proper permissions. We’ve been facing issues with noise and air pollution, but to hear that they don’t even have basic approvals is alarming. This raises questions about the accountability of local authorities.”

In response to the complaint, MPCB has stated that they have not provided any operational consent to the pubs and bars in Kalyani Nagar. According to MPCB’s reply, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is the authority responsible for investigating and regulating these establishments under the Citizen Charter, Chapter 4. MPCB has further requested that PMC conduct an investigation and submit an Action Taken Report to both the complainants and MPCB.

Monica Sharma, another concerned resident, shared her frustration, “We’ve been dealing with noise at odd hours and disturbances that impact our daily lives. These businesses seem to prioritize profits over the well-being of the community. Now that we know they lack permission, the question is: why hasn’t any action been taken yet?”

Residents are now urging the PMC to take swift and strict action. Many believe that this issue could be more widespread, affecting other parts of Pune as well. Munir Vastani, a resident of the area, voiced his concerns: “If this is happening in Kalyani Nagar, I wouldn’t be surprised if the same is happening in other parts of Pune. The authorities need to step up and ensure that all businesses are complying with regulations, especially in residential areas.”

The TSKN group has called for better regulation and oversight to prevent such instances in the future. They also stressed the need for a more transparent process, where residents are informed about businesses operating in their neighborhoods and the permissions they are required to have.

The ball is now in PMC’s court to investigate and take appropriate action. Until then, the residents of Kalyani Nagar continue to grapple with the growing concerns surrounding the unauthorized operation of pubs and bars in their community.