Pimpri-Chinchwad: Hinjawadi IT Park Faces Action Over Water Pollution; Rs 35 Lakh Bank Guarantee Demanded

Hinjawadi, 6th March 2025: Pune’s Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjawadi has come under scrutiny for allegedly discharging untreated sewage directly into the Mula River. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had earlier issued a notice to the park’s common Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for violating environmental norms. Now, in a further move, the board has directed the IT park and the company operating the STP to submit a ₹35 lakh bank guarantee.

The issue gained attention after reports surfaced about the death of fish in the Mula River due to water contamination. Acting on these concerns, MPCB inspected the STP on 24th September last year. The inspection revealed multiple serious violations. While the plant has a daily capacity of 4 million liters, it was found to be treating only 1.5 million liters per day, leaving a large volume of sewage untreated. Following this, MPCB had issued a notice to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) on 8th November 2024 demanding corrective measures.

A hearing was held on 3rd March where MIDC officials and representatives of the company operating the STP were present. After reviewing the case, MPCB issued another notice, giving them a seven-day deadline to rectify the violations. Additionally, MIDC or the company must submit a ₹35 lakh bank guarantee to the board.

MPCB’s earlier notice highlighted several key issues:

– The sewage pipeline network in the IT park is inadequate, leading to improper treatment of wastewater.
– Several sections of the STP are non-functional, and storage tanks are in poor condition, causing a foul smell in the area.
– The facility lacks proper disinfection systems, and there is no reuse of treated water.
– Only eight to 10 tankers of treated water are being transported daily, while the remaining partially treated sewage is directly discharged into the Mula River.
– Several external sewage pipelines connected to the project are damaged and leaking.

To address these issues, the pollution control board has instructed MIDC to:

– Expand the sewage pipeline network across the entire IT park.
– Ensure the continuous operation of the STP.
– Install a disinfection system for treated sewage.
– Implement secondary usage of treated water.
– Maintain and repair all sewage pipelines.

Despite these directives, MIDC officials have remained silent on the issue. Chief Engineer Nitin Wankhede pointed to Executive Engineer Sanjay Indule, who has not responded to inquiries. With the deadline set, all eyes are now on the authorities to see whether corrective measures will be implemented or further action will be taken.