Fire at Unauthorized Dumping Site Near MIT Campus Prompts MPCB Notice to Gram Panchayats

A fire broke out on February 26 at an unauthorized garbage dumping site along the Mula-Mutha riverbed in Loni Kalbhor, causing thick smoke that affected nearby residents and the MIT campus, hospitalizing several students. Despite repeated complaints from MIT and local citizens, waste dumping by villagers continues without proper segregation or treatment. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued notices to the Gram Panchayats involved, seeking compliance and warning of possible legal action under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, if the issue is not addressed promptly.