Expansion projects of Mercedes-Benz, Fiat cleared.

Clearing proposals submitted by auto giants Fiat and Mercedes-Benz for their expansion projects, the State Environment Assessment Committee has set a condition. They should build toilets in 53 schools and supply clean water to 50 schools without using electricity, as their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The State Environment Assessment Committee (SCAC) cleared the proposals after considering their likely impact on environment, along with certain pointers to compensate for the 'externality' - the pollution additional production of vehicles would bring in with more vehicles hitting the roads.

The expansion project of Mercedes-Benz India Ltd. at MIDC, Chakan, Phase III will roll out 9,000 more vehicles. Fiat India Automobiles expansion project at Ranjangaon will increase production by 10,000 vehicles. Looking at the increase in pollution this could cause, the committee under SEAC incorporated the conditions.

'They are making more vehicles and should carry out corporate social responsibility for pollution caused. The SEAC directed these companies to follow norms. They have to provide toilet facilities and clean drinking water without using electricity,' said an official.


THE INDIAN EXPRESS