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Former Italian PFAS Plant Machinery Installed in Maharashtra, Sparks Environmental Concerns
Machinery and production technology from the shuttered Italian chemical company Miteni S.p.A., linked to one of Europe’s most serious industrial pollution cases, have reportedly been installed at a chemical manufacturing facility in Lote Parshuram, Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. The development has triggered concern among environmental groups, activists, and political leaders in the state.
Background of the Italian Chemical Plant
Miteni’s plant in Vicenza, Italy, was shut down after years of producing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”. These chemicals were found to have contaminated groundwater and drinking water across a wide region, leading to legal action against company executives and the eventual closure of the facility.
Transfer of Machinery to India
Following Miteni’s bankruptcy, its assets — including machinery, patents, and production know-how — were reportedly acquired at an auction in 2019 by Viva Lifesciences, a subsidiary of Indian chemical manufacturer Laxmi Organic Industries. The equipment was later transported to India and reassembled at the Maharashtra industrial unit, which began operations in 2025.
Official Response and Regulatory Review
The company has stated that the facility operates in compliance with Indian environmental regulations and has secured all necessary statutory approvals. However, the use of machinery associated with a major overseas pollution case has raised questions about oversight, safety standards, and long-term environmental impact.
Maharashtra legislator Rohit Pawar has alleged that the Ratnagiri unit may be producing or emitting PFAS compounds and has sought greater transparency from authorities. In response, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has initiated reviews and issued notices to verify regulatory compliance. State officials have clarified that, as of now, there is no official confirmation that banned or restricted PFAS chemicals are being manufactured at the site.
Health and Environmental Concerns
PFAS chemicals are known for their persistence in the environment and have been linked in international studies to potential health risks, including cancer, reproductive issues, and hormonal disruption. Environmental experts point out that India currently lacks a comprehensive national framework specifically regulating PFAS, a gap that has intensified public concern.
Why This Issue Matters
The controversy has reignited debate over industrial accountability, environmental safeguards, and whether developing regions are becoming destinations for technologies phased out elsewhere due to environmental and public health risks.
Disclaimer: Any accompanying video or visual related to this article may be AI-generated and is intended for informational purposes only.
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