Pune: PCMC And PMRDA Under NGT Scrutiny For Pavana River Pollution, Immediate Action Required
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 10th January 2025: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stern order addressing the critical pollution levels in the Pavana River, demanding immediate action from local authorities including Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). In a hearing held on 7th January 2025, the Western Zone Bench in Pune reviewed the progress of pollution abatement measures and set forth directives to expedite the river’s cleanup.
The petition against the civic bodies was filed by Pune-based lawyer, Adv Krunnal Ghare. NGT, presided over by Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Dr Vijay Kulkarni, examined affidavits submitted by the PCMC and other respondents detailing their efforts to combat river pollution. The PCMC’s affidavit, dated 6th January 2025, outlined existing and planned Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) aimed at addressing the pollution issue.
The Pavana River, approximately 60 km long, originates in the Western Ghats near Lonavala and flows through the Pune District before joining the Mula River in Dapodi, Pune. Within the PCMC limits, the river flows for about 24.4 km, passing through several suburbs including Ravet, Thergaon, Chinchwad, Pimpri, and Dapodi. Notably, the Pavana Dam is the primary drinking water source for the Pimpri Chinchwad area. Despite its importance, the Pavana River faces severe pollution, which begins as soon as it enters PCMC jurisdiction. The area before it enters PCMC falls under PMRDA, making both civic bodies accountable for the river’s dire situation.
According to PCMC’s report, there are currently 13 operational STPs along the Pavana River bank with a combined treatment capacity of 280 MLD. PCMC has also initiated the construction of additional STPs and augmentation of existing facilities. A 15 MLD augmented capacity at Bhat Nagar is expected to be operational by March 2025.
Key Pollution Abatement Measures
1) Four new STPs with a total capacity of 105 MLD are planned at Tathawade, Kiwale, Mamurdi, and College of Military Engineering (CME), Dapodi.
2) Three more STPs with a combined capacity of 110 MLD are proposed for Pimpri, Tathawade (Phase 2), and Punawale.
3) PCMC has installed mechanical screens in major drains and laid a 32 km interceptor line to capture sewage flowing into the river.
4) A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the sewerage system has been submitted to the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).
The NGT expressed concern over the lack of clear timelines for new and proposed STPs. The Tribunal emphasized the need to expedite the establishment of these STPs, stating that their completion would significantly alleviate the pollution problem in the Pavana River.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted an affidavit containing minutes from a review meeting of the Pavana River Action Plan. The comprehensive plan includes measures such as establishing additional treatment capacities, upgrading existing old STPs, strengthening drainage networks, and implementing water reuse projects.
The NGT has directed the River Rejuvenation Committee to convene a meeting of concerned authorities to establish timelines for implementing the action plan and identify funding sources. The committee is required to submit a report to the Tribunal within three months. Additionally, PMRDA has been granted two weeks to submit a tabular form detailing the STPs to be set up and their current status.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) was directed to file a specific reply regarding the Pavana River, as their previous affidavit pertained to the entire state of Maharashtra. The NGT has scheduled the next hearing for 2nd April 2025, to review the progress made by the various authorities in implementing the pollution abatement measures.
PCMC Chief Engineer Sanjay Kulkarni stated that the information required by NGT, including the status and timeline, has been provided to them. Despite this, the NGT order still demands the timeline and expedited implementation of upcoming STPs.
Rinaj Pathan, Chief Engineer at PMRDA told Punekar News, “Regarding the Pavana River, we have received an order to submit details about the STPs to be set up and their current status from NGT. We have conducted a primary survey regarding this. For a detailed survey, a consultant is being appointed. After that, a report will be prepared and submitted to NGT.”
Adv. Krunnal Ghare said, “Pavana is a 60 km long river, with 36 km falling under PMRDA and the remaining 24 km under PCMC. All parties must come together. Just focusing on STPs is not enough; supplementary infrastructure and maintenance are necessary to reduce pollution. Cleaning the river from upstream, one stretch at a time, focusing on results rather than paper plans is crucial.” Adv. Ghare also emphasized the importance of both curative and preventive measures in addressing the river’s pollution, highlighting the need to tackle root causes while identifying and resolving immediate low-hanging fruits.
