Phoenix Mills gets notice for green violations

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has slapped a show-cause notice on Lower Parel’s Phoenix Mills Ltd, which houses Palladium mall and the St Regis hotel, after it was found violating environment laws.
In a surprise inspection conducted by the board officials last month, it was found that there was no composting plant in operation and no utilization of treated sewage.Instead, there was discharge of the waste into the BMC drainage system.
In a notice sent by the MPCB member secretary Dr P Anbalagan earlier this month, a copy of which is with TOI, it was stated that a visit by board officials on August 23 revealed several violations.
It was observed that 100% recycling of treated domestic effluent was not happening and the waste was being discharged into the sewer system of the local body, a violation of the consent operation. Despite being provided with dual plumbing system so that treated sewage could be used to flush toilets, it was noticed that fresh water was being used for the purpose.
A spokesperson of the Phoenix Mills Ltd said there was absolutely no violation of environmental laws and that it had been clarified in writing with the MPCB, which could be verified.
A senior MPCB member, who was also a part of the inspection team, said the tube settler unit of the sewage treatment plant was observed to be flooded with sludge, which was a sign of unscientific operations.
“We have clearly asked them why directions to stop the hotel and mall activity shall not be issued in the notice,” a member said.
“If the reply to the notice is found to be unsatisfactory, then a closure notice could also be directed towards the property. There has been major non-compliance in case of municipal solid waste as well as sewage treatment. There is an organic waste converter but the capacity is insufficient. The unit authorities are expected to bio-degrade the waste, which they are not doing. Apart from this, treated water is not being used for flushing or for gardening purposes .”
The notice has also questioned why the unit’s consent shall not be refused and further necessary action including, filing of prosecution, should not be initiated against them for all the above violations.