Excerpt from Business Standard Article, Published on Aug 24, 2024.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has accused Mercedes-Benz India of non-compliance with environmental standards at its Pune manufacturing facility. Following a routine inspection on August 23, 2024, MPCB alleged that the luxury car maker’s assembly plant in Chakan is not adhering to the pollution control guidelines set by the board. As an immediate measure, MPCB has forfeited a bank guarantee of ₹25 lakh from Mercedes-Benz.
In response, Mercedes-Benz India stated that it has not received any formal notice or request from MPCB regarding the alleged violations. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining high environmental standards and expressed its readiness to cooperate with the authorities by providing all necessary documentation and taking corrective actions if needed.
MPCB has called for a comprehensive review of the plant’s operations to ensure full compliance with environmental regulations. The board highlighted the importance of sustainable production practices, especially for a brand as prestigious as Mercedes-Benz, which is expected to set an example in the automotive industry. MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam stressed the board’s commitment to enforcing pollution control regulations and ensuring that all industrial activities within its jurisdiction adhere to the required standards.
Mercedes-Benz India reiterated its dedication to upholding the most stringent global standards in production quality, environmental sustainability, and compliance with mandatory regulations. The company assured full cooperation with MPCB to address the issues raised and to maintain its reputation as a leader in automotive innovation with a strong focus on environmental responsibility.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges companies face in balancing industrial growth with environmental stewardship, particularly in sectors like automotive manufacturing where stringent compliance is crucial.
