Pune: State Government Initiates Urgent Measures to Curb Pollution in Indrayani River

Pimpri Chinchwad, 26th December 2023: In response to the escalating pollution of the Indrayani river, the Maharashtra state government has taken a decisive step to address the issue.

School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, recognizing the cultural importance of Indrayani river, has issued directives to immediately cease the flow of polluted, untreated sewage into the river. Emphasizing the critical need for sewage management, Kesarkar has instructed concerted efforts to collect and treat wastewater from large housing societies to prevent further pollution of the river.

Speaking at a review meeting held at Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Mhalunge, Kesarkar expressed concern over the untreated water flowing into drains and ordered special measures to prevent such discharge. The minister stressed that punitive action should be taken against housing associations if it is found that sewage is not being adequately processed.

The meeting, attended by MLA Uma Khapare, PMRDA Commissioner Rahul Mahiwal, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Avinash Dhakne, and Pune Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Kunal Khemnar, was convened in response to the growing attention on Indrayani river pollution.

As part of the measures to combat pollution, Kesarkar highlighted the importance of ensuring that untreated contaminated water does not enter the river. He urged caution in the installation of new sewage treatment plants, ensuring the continuity of existing ones. The Chief Minister’s emphasis on clean river water, especially in the context of the Namami Chandrabhaga project, prompted Kesarkar to underscore the need to address pollution in the Mula-Mutha river as well.

Kesarkar directed local self-government bodies to prioritize wastewater management, with specific attention to rural areas. He proposed the formation of dedicated municipal teams for this purpose. Until the sewage treatment plant is established, Kesarkar stressed the importance of implementing preliminary measures to prevent polluted water from flowing into the rivers.

Dhakne, addressing the meeting, emphasized the need to ensure that sewage treatment plants are set up while approving projects in areas of less than 20 thousand square meters. He warned of strict action against officials found guilty of allowing contaminated water to flow into the river without proper treatment, particularly in the colonies of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation.