MPCB Reports High Pollution Levels in Mula River at Pimple Nilakh and Baner, NGT Seeks Action Plan from PMC

Baner, 12th February 2025: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that pollution levels in the Mula River at Pimple Nilakh and Baner exceed permissible limits, raising serious environmental concerns. The revelation follows sample testing conducted after large-scale fish deaths were reported in the river on September 22, 2024.

According to the MPCB’s report, both organic and inorganic pollutants in these river stretches were found beyond acceptable levels. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), two key indicators of water pollution, were recorded at alarmingly high levels.

While Pimple Nilakh falls under the jurisdiction of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Baner is within Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) limits.

As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, treated sewage water should have BOD levels below 10 mg/l and COD levels below 50 mg/l. However, tests from sewage treatment plants (STPs) at both locations showed severe deviations:
Pimple Nilakh (20 MLD STP):
December 2023: BOD – 54 mg/l, COD – 140 mg/l
December 2024: BOD – 8.4 mg/l, COD – 28 mg/l (slight improvement)
Baner (30 MLD STP):
August 2024: BOD – 46.8 mg/l, COD – 132 mg/l
The MPCB also noted that PCMC violated pollution norms for 1,178 days, while PMC failed compliance for 1,531 days.

Taking cognizance of these findings, the NGT’s Western Bench in Pune has directed the PMC to submit an action plan outlining steps to control pollution in the Mula River. The order was issued on February 6, during the hearing of a suo motu case triggered by media reports on the fish deaths. The next hearing is scheduled for April 9.

In an affidavit submitted to the tribunal, MPCB Pune Regional Officer J.S. Salunkhe stated, “MPCB conducted a personal hearing with PMC and PCMC officials on January 28, 2025. During the meeting, both civic bodies were instructed to provide data on water consumption, domestic sewage generation, existing sewage treatment plants (STPs) in river basins, and their proposed action plans.”

Additionally, MPCB has issued multiple notices to both municipal corporations, demanding compliance with effluent discharge standards and an immediate halt to the release of untreated wastewater into rivers under their jurisdiction.

With rising concerns over water pollution and its impact on aquatic life, environmentalists and citizens are now urging local authorities to take urgent corrective measures to prevent further damage to Pune’s water bodies.