Implement Pollution Action Plan Effectively in Chandrapur and Yavatmal: Environment Minister Pankaja Munde

Industries Directed to Take Strict Measures to Control Pollution in Chandrapur Region

Focus Must Shift from Discussions to Action

Action Plan to Include Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Measures

Mumbai, July 2026 : Maharashtra Environment Minister Pankaja Munde has directed officials and industrial stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of a comprehensive action plan to curb air and water pollution caused by coal mines and coal washeries in Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts.

Emphasising that the time had come to move beyond discussions and focus on tangible action, the minister instructed authorities to implement a three-phase strategy comprising short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures to significantly reduce pollution levels.

The directions were issued during a meeting in Mumbai with a delegation of industrial representatives operating in Chandrapur and Yavatmal. The meeting reviewed pollution caused by coal mining and coal washeries, during which officials presented the current pollution scenario, key sources of pollution, and the proposed mitigation measures.

The meeting was attended by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) Member Secretary Rahul Rekhawar, officials and representatives of coal mining and coal washery companies, Chandrapur Division Coordinator Dr. Vishwajeet Thakur, senior scientific officers, and other MPCB officials.

Strict Directions to Industries

Issuing clear and stringent instructions to industries, Minister Munde said improving air quality in Chandrapur and Yavatmal requires the effective implementation of immediate, medium-term and long-term interventions.

She identified coal mines, coal washeries and coal transportation as the principal contributors to pollution in the region. Noting that road transport of coal significantly increases dust pollution, she urged industries to gradually shift towards rail transport, conveyor belts and covered conveyor systems instead of relying heavily on trucks.

The minister directed coal mining and coal washery operators to prepare a detailed short-term action plan outlining specific measures to be implemented over the next three months.

The plan should include initiatives such as tree plantation, dust suppression systems, pollution control measures, public awareness campaigns and environmental conservation activities, she said.

Creation of Buffer Zones

Munde also instructed industries to establish buffer zones around coal mines and coal washeries wherever necessary. Such green buffers would help minimise the impact of pollution on nearby residential areas and improve environmental conditions.

She stressed that industries must assume greater responsibility for protecting and improving the environment surrounding their operations.

CSR Funds to Support Environmental Protection

The Environment Minister urged companies to utilise their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds more effectively for environmental conservation.

Apart from afforestation, industries were asked to invest CSR resources in environmental protection, healthcare, schools, roads and other essential infrastructure in surrounding villages.

She also asked industrial representatives to submit proposals outlining areas where government support would be required for developing public infrastructure, assuring them of full cooperation from the state government.

Munde emphasised that while industrial development in Chandrapur and Yavatmal remains vital for Maharashtra’s economic growth, protecting public health and preserving the environment must remain the government’s foremost priority.

“There will be no compromise in efforts to control pollution. Every industry has a social responsibility to strictly comply with pollution control norms and implement all prescribed measures effectively,” she said.

Monitoring Through Documentation

The minister also recommended maintaining photographic records and other documentation showing environmental conditions before and after implementing pollution control measures. This would help authorities scientifically assess the effectiveness of each intervention and ensure accountability.

Representatives of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) informed the meeting that the company plans to undertake plantation of nearly two lakh trees across 400 hectares as part of its environmental conservation efforts.

MPCB Member Secretary Rahul Rekhawar made a detailed presentation outlining the proposed pollution mitigation strategy.

Key Measures Proposed

Short-Term Measures

• Immediate deployment of pollution-control technologies.
• Dust suppression systems.
• Improved railway siding operations and better coal transportation management.

Medium-Term Measures

• Installation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
• Improved management of thermal and chemical waste.
• Expansion of green belts around industrial facilities.

Long-Term Measures

• Adoption of sustainable industrial technologies.
• Greater use of clean energy sources.
• Transition towards Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems and minimal industrial emissions to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.