Use of RTI to confirm noise and water pollution generated by biogas plant
12 Mar, 2013The reply to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has confirmed the allegations of the local citizens that the first biogas plant commissioned by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in 2010 is generating too much noise pollution disturbing the nearby population.
The RTI reply reveals that Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), while inspecting the plant and the neighbourhood in January, had found higher than permissible noise level from the plant. The inspection also confirmed the complaints of foul smell, air pollution due to burning of excess methane and water pollution caused by the plant. The data provided in the reply shows that all the three noise readings taken at three different places were well over the permissible noise limit of 45 dB. It also stated that the runoff from the plant is discharged into the Mula River thus causing water pollution.
The biogas plant was commissioned by the PMC as a solid waste management measure and the biogas generated by using organic wastes is utilized in producing electricity to feed streetlights. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has sent a letter to the PMC to take immediate action to rectify the problems.