Maharashtra Govt Orders Probe Into Illegal Dumping at Kapurwadi Lake in Ahilyanagar
Ahilyanagar/Pune, 28th February 2026: The Maharashtra Environment & Climate Change Department has initiated a high-priority investigation into reports of illegal dumping at Kapurwadi Lake in Kapurwadi village in Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) district.
The action follows a formal complaint filed by Pune’s Mohammadwadi resident Jaymala Dhankikar on February 23, 2026. The complaint alleges serious environmental neglect, citing the indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste, solid waste, and construction debris in and around the lake area.
Official directives were issued the following day. In a letter dated February 24, 2026, Section Officer Shaheen Shaikh instructed the District Collector of Ahilyanagar, who also serves as the Chairman of the District Wetland Authority, to conduct an immediate examination of the matter.
The state government has sought a priority inquiry into the allegations and directed authorities to assess whether the reported activities violate the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. If violations are confirmed, the District Collector has been asked to initiate appropriate legal action and submit an action taken report to the Mantralaya at the earliest.
To ensure oversight, copies of the directive have also been forwarded to the Secretary of the Environment & Climate Change Department and the Member Secretary of the State Wetland Authority.
Environmental advocates have called for swift enforcement of conservation laws to prevent further ecological damage and protect the lake from long-term degradation.
