The approval comes as a relief to the German automaker, India’s top seller of luxury cars, which in January announced plans to launch over a dozen models and in
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Mercedes-Benz has improved wastewater and air pollution management at its only car plant in India after officials found environmental compliance lapses in recent inspections, government documents show.
Pollution control officials in the western state of Maharashtra signed off on Mercedes’ compliance with environmental standards in an Oct. 11 visit report reviewed by Reuters.
The permit is a relief for the German automaker, India’s top seller of luxury cars, which in January announced plans to launch over a dozen models and invest $24 million in the country this year.
In August, government officials conducted surprise inspections at the Mercedes plant in Chakan, Maharashtra, and found that the company was releasing untreated sewage and emissions, “causing water and air pollution in the environment,” according to a government notice sent to Mercedes in September. 19, which Reuters has reviewed.
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The notice listed a total of nine deficiencies by the German automaker, including insufficient maintenance of its sewage treatment plant, the presence of pollutant compounds near its paint box and failure to install some required exhaust control devices.
The accusations sparked a political storm in India’s richest state as opposition lawmakers said it could damage the region’s reputation as a major hub for foreign companies.
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Industrial pollution is a major problem in India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state governments have set strict targets to limit air and water pollution caused by factories and vehicles.
The company did not respond to requests for comment on Indian officials noting improvements at its factory. But it told Reuters in a statement this week that it continued to cooperate with officials and had addressed all questions raised.
“The company strictly adheres to global production quality and is committed to maintaining high environmental and sustainability standards, to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements,” Mercedes said.
The state government did not respond to Reuters’ questions.
The government documents said that when the facility was inspected again in October, officials noted that the company had improved its sewage treatment plant management and no air pollution was generated during painting.
“Operation and maintenance of ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) found improved … maintenance of facilities and machinery is being carried out,” the officials noted in the report.
The Mercedes factory is located 140 km (87 miles) from India’s financial capital Mumbai and is close to factories of other car manufacturers such as Volkswagen and Mahindra & Mahindra. Last year, Mercedes sold a record 17,400 cars in India, beating BMW to second place.
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First publication date: 8 Nov 2024, 08:59 IST
