Ongoing Dispute Over Indrayani River Pollution Persists
Despite government interventions, the issue of pollution in the sacred Indrayani River persists, with a recent recurrence of a substantial layer of toxic foam. Following the observation of toxic foam in November, the Chief Minister ordered inspections and actions in early December, leading to efforts by officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Despite these initiatives, toxic foam reappeared on the river, prompting concerns about the efficacy of earlier measures.
A regional officer from the MPCB identified the primary cause as the mixing of treated, semi-treated, and untreated domestic sewage from local bodies, emphasising the need for comprehensive sewage treatment plans and legal actions against defaulting bodies. The head of the environment department at PCMC disputed claims of untreated domestic waste contributing to the pollution, stating that PCMC treats all domestic water. Instead, he attributed the pollution to industrial units operating outside PCMC jurisdiction, calling for MPCB action against these units. The minister has directed concerned local bodies to promptly devise a plan to reduce pollution, with a follow-up meeting scheduled in Mumbai for a comprehensive review of the situation. The ongoing pollution concerns highlight the challenges in addressing environmental issues and the need for coordinated efforts between authorities and industries to ensure sustainable practices.
