MPCB directs Kapurwadi Grampanchayat in Ahilyanagar to protect bird sanctuary lake
Ahilyanagar/Pune, 24th January 2026: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has sought immediate intervention from the Kapurwadi Gram Panchayat to undertake prompt measures for the removal and disposal of plastic waste, solid waste, and old construction and demolition debris from the area. It has further directed that due care be taken to ensure that no waste dumping or unauthorised construction takes place in or around the lake in future, and that the Kapurwadi lake in Ahilyanagar district is maintained in a clean and pollution-free condition.
Kapurwadi lake is a historic rain-fed water body that holds significant ecological and hydrological importance for the region. It serves as an important habitat and seasonal resting ground for several species of international migratory birds that visit the area during the winter months, attracted by the availability of water and food resources. The lake also supports local biodiversity and plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge. Environmental experts warn that continued pollution and unregulated construction could disturb these migratory patterns and cause long-term ecological damage to this sensitive ecosystem.
Acting on a complaint received via email on December 29, 2025, from social activist and BJP member Jayamala Dhankikar, the regional office of the MPCB in Nashik forwarded the matter to the MPCB Ahilyanagar regional office. The latter then directed the Gram Panchayat authorities on January 21, 2026, stating that the issue falls within the local body’s jurisdiction under the Citizens’ Charter, 2000, and sought immediate action.
In its communication addressed to the Gram Panchayat officer and sarpanch of Kapurwadi village, the MPCB highlighted serious concerns regarding plastic waste, solid waste and debris from old construction being dumped in and around the Kapurwadi lake. The letter stressed that continued neglect and unchecked construction activities pose a grave threat to the water body and its surrounding ecosystem.
The pollution control board has directed the Gram Panchayat to take immediate steps to remove plastic waste, solid waste and construction debris from the lake and its vicinity. It has also instructed the local administration to ensure that no further dumping of waste or unauthorised construction takes place in the area, and that the lake is maintained in a clean and pollution-free condition going forward.
The Gram Panchayat has been asked to carry out appropriate remedial measures without delay and submit a detailed action-taken report. The board has further instructed that the complainant be informed directly about the action taken, with a copy of the report also to be submitted to the MPCB’s Ahilyanagar office.
Copies of the communication have been marked to the Ahilyanagar district collector, the chief executive officer of the district, the regional officer of the MPCB in Nashik, and the tehsildar of Nagar taluka, underlining the seriousness of the issue and the need for coordinated action.
Environmental activists have welcomed the move, stating that timely intervention is crucial to protect Kapurwadi lake from irreversible ecological damage and to uphold the accountability of local authorities in safeguarding natural water bodies.
In her petition to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), MPCB and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dhankikar drew the attention of the authorities to the serious environmental degradation and neglect of Kapurwadi Talaon (Kapurwadi Lake), a historically and ecologically significant water body located near Kapurwadi village in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra.
Kapurwadi Talaon is a historic rain-fed lake constructed during the Nizam Shahi period, which once played a vital role in meeting the water requirements of Ahmednagar city. Beyond its historical importance, the lake continues to serve as a critical ecological asset, supporting groundwater recharge, local biodiversity and seasonal migratory birds.
However, the lake is currently under severe threat due to indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste, solid waste, construction debris and other pollutants along its embankments and lake bed. This has led to deterioration of water quality, destruction of natural habitats, and increased risks to aquatic life, birds and public health.
Equally alarming is the proposal and execution of cement concrete structures, paving and hard landscaping around the lake embankment. Such activities are contrary to the principles of wetland and water body conservation, disrupt natural percolation, weaken the bund structure, and increase the risk of flooding or breach during heavy monsoon rainfall. These interventions threaten the lake’s natural hydrology and long-term sustainability.
Despite repeated concerns raised by citizens and local environmental groups, there appears to be a lack of effective monitoring, enforcement of environmental laws and coordinated conservation planning by the local authorities.
She requested the authorities to direct an urgent environmental assessment of Kapurwadi Talaon and its surrounding buffer zone; issue directions for immediate removal of plastic waste, solid waste and construction debris followed by ecological remediation; restrain and review all cement concrete construction activities around the lake embankment and catchment area; direct the district administration, municipal corporation and concerned departments to prepare and implement a scientific lake conservation and restoration plan in line with wetland conservation guidelines; and recognise and treat Kapurwadi Talaon as a protected water body, considering its historical, ecological and hydrological significance, ensuring long-term protection through fencing, signage, monitoring and strict enforcement.
