Pune: MPCB Issues Notice to PCMC Over Rivers’ Pollution, Seeks Action Plan Within 15 Days
Pimpri, 7th December 2023: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has taken cognizance of the alarming pollution levels in the Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers flowing through Pimpri Chinchwad city. Issuing a notice to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), the MPCB seeks explanations on the untreated sewage and industrial discharge, raising concerns about the violation of environmental regulations.
The MPCB notice questions the PCMC’s failure to treat sewage adequately, as directed by environmental regulations and the green arbitrator. It threatens potential penalties and the confiscation of the bank guarantee if corrective actions are not taken promptly. PCMC has been directed to submit a comprehensive action plan within 15 days to address the critical issue of river pollution.
Concerns over the pollution of the Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers surfaced as algae and contaminants mar the water quality. Suraj Babar, President of the Agriculture-Environment-Education and Civic Problem Solving Association, raised the issue with multiple authorities, including PCMC, MPCB, the Environment Department, and the Central Government.
Reports indicate untreated sewage, mixed with industrial chemicals, flowing into the rivers. The water in the rivers is foaming, and the presence of pollutants is visibly deteriorating the water quality. Specific locations such as Ravet, Talawade, Chikhali, Kudalwadi, and Moshi, are identified as sources of direct release of untreated wastewater and industrial discharge.
The MPCB notice alleges violations of rules and regulations, highlighting the direct release of untreated wastewater into the rivers and industrial discharge without adherence to prescribed guidelines. The notice questions why legal actions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 should not be initiated against the PCMC City Engineer and the responsible parties. Furthermore, the notice seeks clarification on why penalties should not be imposed and why the bank guarantee, as outlined in the municipal consent deed, should not be confiscated.
As the issue gains attention, there is a growing call for urgent and comprehensive measures to address the pollution crisis in the rivers. The upcoming submission of PCMC’s action plan within the stipulated 15 days will be closely monitored as authorities work towards mitigating the environmental impact and ensuring the preservation of water quality in Pimpri Chinchwad.
