The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has fined 59 industrial units for unlawfully storing and disposing large quantities of hazardous waste on their premises.
The industries have been asked by MPCB to pay the fine (amount not specified) and have been directed to send the hazardous waste to common treatment facilities, the 2011-12 Economic Survey of the state, which was tabled in the ongoing Budget session of the legislature, said.
The facilities for management of hazardous waste have been set up at four locations in the state, including Taloja (Thane), Ranjangaon in Pune and Butibori in Nagpur.
There are 5,428 hazardous waste generating industries in Maharashtra and the volume of waste generated is estimated to be around 18 lakh MT per year, the survey added.
MPCB, the nodal agency for implementation of pollution related legislations, has authorised seven industries to recycle e-waste, it also said.