Pune: Calls For Criminal Cases As Rivers Face Pollution In PCMC, Citizens Write To PM Modi
Pimpri, 16th November 2023: Various Agriculture, Environment, Education, and Civic Redressal organizations are urging the filing of criminal cases against the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s environment department, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for their alleged failure to control pollution in the Pawana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the organizations highlighted the severe pollution issue and demanded strict actions against those responsible.
Despite regular follow-ups with the PCMS and both Pollution Control Boards regarding river pollution, the concerns have allegedly been ignored. The organization is now considering filing a green arbitration against these entities and has emphasized the need for immediate attention to protect both citizens and rivers from the adverse effects of pollution.
Key points highlighted in the letter include:
– Failure of the PCMC to adhere to the 2015 CPDC instructions for a time-bound plan for sewage treatment, river regeneration, and quality improvement. Approximately 50 MLD of untreated sewage is still being discharged into the rivers, impacting aquatic life.
– Non-compliance with the August 2019 Green Tribunal order, which mandates local bodies to treat 100 per cent sewage and manage solid waste. The organization proposes recovering fines from the salaries of Municipal Corporation officers for non-compliance.
– Lack of implementation of the December 2019 decision, made in a meeting chaired by the Member Secretary of MPCB, where the Municipal Corporation committed to treating 100 per cent wastewater as per the Green Arbitration order.
Suraj Babar, President of the Agriculture-Environment-Education and Civic Problem Solving Association, questioned, “Does MPCB just look at the municipal proceedings? This question is being asked by the citizens of the city. It is adversely affecting the health of the citizens and the water system. Therefore, criminal cases should be filed against all the culprits.”
Additionally, the Human Rights Protection and Awareness organization warned of potential agitation, citing chemically contaminated water discharge in the sacred Indrayani river. The lives of citizens and the religious significance of the river are being compromised, leading to a demand for legal action against the establishments polluting the river before the upcoming Kartiki Ekadashi festivities. The organization has warned of protests if prompt measures are not taken.
