Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The Aurangabad Bench of Bombay High Court has directed the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) to submit a detailed expenditure report on the Rs 100 crore allocated by the state government for solid waste management and bio-mining projects in the city.
A division bench comprising Justice Vibha Kankanwadi and Justice Ajit Kadethankar issued the directions while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), and expressed strong dissatisfaction over the civic body’s response.
Municipal Corporation’s submission
The CSMC informed the court that bio-mining plants have been set up at Harsul, Padegaon and Kanchanwadi, and that they operate in a phased manner at full capacity. It also stated that segregation of household waste and public awareness activities are underway. The corporation further said that a contractor had been issued a notice after waste dumping was reported near Gandheli village along the Dhule–Solapur Highway.
Court’s observations
However, the court termed the response ‘incomplete and unsatisfactory,’ noting that the civic body had failed to provide a clear breakdown of how the Rs 100 crore fund was utilised. The bench emphasised that the municipal corporation is accountable for the use of public funds.
The court also questioned why bio-mining projects are operated only on a seasonal basis, observing that waste generated daily in the city requires continuous processing. It further noted that since bio-fertiliser produced from such projects is sold to farmers and generates revenue, transparency in production and sales must be ensured.
Reference to technology
During the hearing, information was presented about an advanced waste processing technology developed by Fintech Engineers in the Shendra MIDC area, which converts waste into energy pellets without segregation. The court suggested that municipal officials, including the Commissioner, should visit the facility and seriously consider its adoption.
Next hearing
The municipal corporation assured the court that a detailed and satisfactory affidavit would be submitted in the next hearing, which has been scheduled for June 12, 2026. The court took the assurance on record.
Advocate C V Thombre appeared for the petitioner, while Adv. Neha Kamble represented the state, Adv Sambhaji Tope represented the municipal corporation, and Adv Uttam Bonder appeared for the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.