Pune: Shopkeepers at KPCT Mall allege fumes from printing shops cause breathing trouble

Shopkeepers and visitors at KPCT Mall in Fatima Nagar have raised concerns over alleged chemical fumes and a strong stench coming from the printing shops in the complex. The shops include Vision Printers, which operates from office numbers C-21 and C-22. The complainants claim the fumes are causing breathing trouble and other health problems for people who work in or visit the neighbouring clinics, coaching classes and other establishments.

A complaint email dated September 15, 2026 was sent to the Pune regional office of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), with a copy to the state environment department. According to the email, the printing shops in the complex have large-format printing machines that produce flex banners and other printed material.

The complainant alleges that the fumes released during printing spread to nearby shops and affect shopkeepers as well as their customers. The premises house many kinds of businesses, including healthcare facilities, clinics and coaching classes. Concern has therefore been expressed about the effect on patients, visitors, students and staff.

According to the complainants, several people have had difficulty breathing because of the fumes, while some have allegedly also suffered vomiting and other symptoms. However, the health effects have not been independently confirmed.

The complainants also allege that they sent several emails and complaints to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and other concerned officials, but no effective solution emerged. They have asked the authorities to inspect the premises, test the fumes and determine whether the printing shops are complying with the applicable environmental and safety rules.

The owner of Vision Printers, on the other hand, has denied the allegations that toxic fumes from the shop are affecting neighbouring premises. The owner said the necessary precautions have been taken. A wall has been built to keep the odour from spreading towards the nearby shops, clinics and coaching classes. The owner also said exhaust fans have been installed to let the fumes out, and claimed the shop holds the licences required to operate.

Vision Printers is not the only printing business in the complex. There are two to three other printing shops as well. Shopkeepers and others have expressed concern over the alleged fumes and strong stench and have demanded an official inspection to find out where it is coming from and whether the printing work is affecting neighbouring premises.

Shopkeepers and others are urging the PMC and the MPCB to intervene. They say that, given the number of businesses and healthcare facilities operating in the complex, the matter needs attention.