National Green Tribunal
Mit Art Design Technology University ... vs Grampanchayat Lonikalbhor Though ... on 6 April, 2026
Item No.1 (Pune Bench)
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
WESTERN ZONE BENCH, PUNE
[THROUGH PHYSICAL HEARING (WITH HYBRID OPTION)]
ORIGINAL APPLICATION NO.36/2026(WZ)
Mit Art Design Technology University (MIT ADT), PUNE
.....Applicant
Versus
Garampanchayat Lonikalbhor & Ors.
....Respondents
Date of hearing: 06.04.2026
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE DINESH KUMAR SINGH, JUDICIAL MEMBER
HON'BLE DR. SUJIT KUMAR BAJPAYEE, EXPERT MEMBER
Applicant : Mr. Asim Sarode, Advocate for the applicant
ORDER
1. This Original Application has been moved with the prayer that Respondent No.1- Grampanchayat Lonikalbhor and Respondent No.2- Grampanchayat Kadamvakvasti be directed to stop dumping waste in the Mula-Mutha Riverbed and Gat No.113 (Lonikalbhor) which lies in the Riverbed located towards the north-east side of the campus of the present applicant; and further be directed to clean up all dumped waste and dispose of it scientifically at their own cost; Further, it is prayed that direction be issued to Respondents No.1 and 2 to complete the process of site selection in stipulated time frame for setting up solid waste processing plant.
2. The submission made by the learned counsel for the applicant is that Applicant- Mit Art Design Technology University (MIT ADT), Pune is situated on land bearing Gat No.39 at Village Loni Kalbhor and Gat Page 1 of 3 Nos.130, 131, 138, 139, 140 and 141 at Village Kadamwakvasti, Taluka Haveli, District Pune, which is beside the Mula-Mutha riverbed where unauthorized dumping of waste is being done by Respondent Nos.1 and 2.
3. It is alleged that Respondent Nos.1 and 2 daily dumping approximately 27 to 30 Tractors/Trucks of Garbage in the Mula-Mutha Riverbed and the adjacent land bearing Gat No.113, Lonikalbhor, Pune, which belongs to the Government and is reserved for forest. This land Gat No.113 is also a part of Mula-Mutha Riverbed. This dumping is happening adjacently to the applicant's campus. Approximately 70 to 75 tons per day solid waste is being dumped at the site in question. The dumped garbage is being destroyed by burning it in the Mula-Mutha Riverbed. Because of the burning of garbage, huge smoke and toxic/harmful gases are being released, causing health hazard to the local residents. On 27.02.2026, a major fire broke out in the large heaps of waste dumped by Respondent Nos.1 and 2 in the Mula-Mutha riverbed which continued for several days and resulted in severe pollution. During mid-night, the affected students were shifted to the other end of the campus. Respondent Nos.1 and 2 are legally obligated to prepare, construct, operate and maintain a solid waste management plan under Rule 15(a) and (v) of the SWM Rules. But they have failed to ensure safe storage and transportation of the domestic hazardous waste.
4. From the side of applicant, learned Mr. Asim Sarode counsel has drawn our attention to Notice dated 05.03.2020 issued by Respondent No.9- MPCB, which is annexed at page Nos.68 and 69 of paper book, wherein observations are made of the violations on the part of the Respondent Nos.1 and 2 and action taken report was asked to be submitted within seven days period. Learned counsel for the applicant Page 2 of 3 submits that no further action has been taken at the end of MPCB. Hence, the applicant has approached this Tribunal by filing the present O.A.
5. We find substantial question relating to environment is made out in the present Original Application, therefore, we deem it appropriate to admit this application and accordingly admit the same.
6. Registry is directed to issue Notice to the Respondents, returnable within 04(four) weeks.
7. Applicant is directed to take necessary steps for service to the Respondents by both ways (Dasti as well as by Registered Post) and also on available e-mail/WhatsApp., and submit service affidavit within one week.
8. Applicant is also directed to supply copy of the application and relevant documents to the Respondents within a week.
9. Respondents are directed to submit their reply affidavits within four weeks through e-filing and also circulate the same to the applicant and also the other Respondents by available e-mail.
10. Rejoinder, if any, is directed to be submitted within one week thereafter.
11. Put up this matter for further consideration on 16.04.2026.
Dinesh Kumar Singh, JM Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, EM April 06, 2026 ORIGINAL APPLICATION NO.36/2026(WZ) SAR Page 3 of 3