India says Mercedes improved pollution management at plant after failing checks

The clearance is a relief for the German carmaker which announced plans in January to launch over a dozen models and invest $24 million in the country this year. Mercedes has maintained it was always 'in compliance with environment laws'.

New Delhi: Mercedes-Benz has improved wastewater and air pollution management at its only car factory in India after officials detected environment law lapses in recent inspections, government documents show.

Pollution control officials in the western state of Maharashtra signed off on Mercedes' compliance with environment norms in an Oct. 11 visit report, reviewed by Reuters.

The clearance is a relief for the German carmaker, India's top luxury car seller, which announced plans in January to launch over a dozen models and invest $24 million in the country this year.

In August, state officials made surprise checks at the Mercedes plant in Chakan, Maharashtra, and found the company was discharging untreated effluent and emissions, "causing water and air pollution into the environment," according to a government notice sent to Mercedes on Sept. 19, which Reuters has reviewed.

The notice recorded a total of nine non-compliances by the German carmaker, including inadequate maintenance of its sewage treatment plant, the presence of pollution causing compounds near its paint booth and failure to install some required emission control devices.

The accusations triggered 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.

Industrial pollution is a major concern in India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state governments have set stringent 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 plant. But it told Reuters in a statement this week that it continued to cooperate with officials and had addressed all queries raised.

"The company adheres to stringent global production quality and is committed to uphold high environmental and sustainability standards, ensuring compliance with the statutory requirements," Mercedes said.

The state government did not respond to Reuters queries.

The government documents said when the plant was inspected again in October, officials noted the company had improved its management of wastewater treatment plants and no air pollutants were found being generated during painting.

"Operation maintenance of ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) found improved ... maintenance of plant and machinery is carried out," the officials noted in the report.

The Mercedes plant is located 140 km (87 miles) from India's financial capital Mumbai and is close to factories of other automakers like Volkswagen and Mahindra Mahindra . Last year, Mercedes sold a record 17,400 cars in India, beating BMW to second spot.