Pune: Illegal Resorts Dumping Sewage Into Maharashtra Dams

Pune, 10th May 2025: Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Thursday acknowledged the proliferation of unauthorized resorts and buildings around several dams in the state and instructed officials to begin demolishing them immediately.

Vikhe Patil, who chaired a review meeting with senior officials from the Water Resources Department in Pune, expressed concern over encroachments within the sensitive catchment zones of major dams.

“Several illegal structures, including resorts, have emerged around dam areas across the state,” he said. “In some cases, these are located right within the catchment areas, and they are discharging untreated waste directly into the water bodies. This poses a serious threat to water quality and aquatic life.”

The minister emphasized that these encroachments are not only illegal but also harmful to the ecological balance of water reservoirs. “We’ve directed local authorities to serve notices and initiate removal of such structures on a priority basis,” he said.

The issue of pollution around water bodies has been under increased scrutiny recently, especially after reports linked the contamination of the Khadakwasla Dam in Pune to a sudden rise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in the region. Multiple patients had reportedly fallen critically ill, and some had died, prompting health and environmental investigations.

Earlier this week, State Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane also visited Pune and met with district officials to assess the condition of water bodies. He pointed to illegal encroachments and water pollution as key reasons behind the declining fish yield. “Fish production is being severely affected due to pollution and unauthorized constructions near reservoirs,” Rane stated after his visit.

Responding to the broader concern, Vikhe Patil reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the state’s water resources. “Ensuring clean and uncontaminated water is one of our core responsibilities. We are formulating strict policies and will take decisive action against anyone polluting water bodies,” he said.

The state government has indicated that enforcement actions will extend to all regions where dam waters are under threat from illegal development and waste discharge.