The clearance comes as a relief to the German automaker, India’s top luxury car seller, which in January announced plans to launch more than a dozen models.
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Mercedes-Benz has improved wastewater and air pollution management at its only car plant in India after officials found loopholes in environmental laws during recent inspections, government documents show.
According to Reuters, pollution control officials in the western state of Maharashtra signed off on Mercedes’ compliance with environmental norms during a visit on October 11.
The approval comes as a relief to the German automaker, India’s top luxury car seller, which in January announced plans to launch more than a dozen models in India this year and invest $24 million.
In August, state government officials conducted a surprise inspection of the Mercedes plant in Chakan, Maharashtra, and found that the company was emitting untreated wastewater and exhaust gases, “causing water and air pollution to the environment,” According to a government notice sent to Mercedes on September 27.
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The notice documents a total of nine violations by the German automaker, including inadequate maintenance of wastewater treatment plants, the presence of pollution-causing compounds near the paint booth and the failure to install some required emission controls.
The accusations have sparked a political storm in India’s richest state, with opposition lawmakers saying they could damage the region’s reputation as a major center for foreign governments.
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Industrial pollution is a major problem in India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state governments setting strict targets to limit air and water pollution caused by factories and vehicles.
The company did not respond to requests for comment from Indian officials who pointed to improvements at its factories. But the company told Reuters in a statement this week that it continued to work with officials and had addressed all concerns raised.
“The company adheres to strict global production quality and is committed to maintaining high environmental and sustainability standards, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements,” Mercedes said.
The state government did not respond to inquiries from Reuters.
When the plant was inspected again in October, officials noted that the company had improved its management of the wastewater treatment plant and that no air pollutants were being produced during the painting process, government documents said.
“Operations and maintenance of the ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) were improved… and maintenance of plant and machinery was carried out,” officials noted in the report.
The Mercedes plant is 140 kilometers (87 miles) from India’s financial capital Mumbai and close to factories of other automakers such as Volkswagen AG and Mahindra & Mahindra. Mercedes sold a record 17,400 cars in India last year, beating BMW to take second place.
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First published date: November 8, 2024 08:59 AM IST
