India, March 26 -- The relocation of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board's (MPCB) sub-regional office (SRO-1) from Wakdewadi, Pune to Baramati has sparked concern among political leaders and environmental activists, who warn it could affect accessibility and weaken pollution monitoring in the city.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Hemant Rasane has written to state Environment Minister Pankaja Munde, urging her to reconsider the decision. In his March 23 letter, Rasane said, "The decision to shift the MPCB sub-regional office out of Pune needs to be reconsidered. With the city's rapid urbanisation and industrial growth, it is essential to have a strong regulatory presence within Pune. Moving the office to Baramati will create inconve...