Pune: Untreated Sewage from Lonavala Linked to Indrayani, Ulhas River Pollution; MPCB Issues Notice
Pune, 6th December 2024: The Lonavala Municipal Council has come under scrutiny for discharging untreated sewage into drains, leading to significant water pollution in the Indrayani and Ulhas rivers. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a notice to the council, warning of strict action if the issue is not resolved promptly.
An inspection by MPCB officials revealed that the council’s sewage treatment project is non-functional, resulting in untreated sewage being released into the drainage system. This untreated waste is flowing into the Indrayani River, causing contamination.
“The Municipal Council is obligated to treat all sewage within its jurisdiction. However, their sewage treatment project is not operational, and untreated waste is being discharged into various drains, eventually polluting the Indrayani and Ulhas rivers,” the MPCB notice states.
Key Findings
The council has not obtained a separate power connection for its sewage treatment facility.
Untreated sewage is being discharged into the rivers, contributing to extensive water pollution.
The notice also references orders by the National Green Tribunal mandating the processing of sewage, warning the council of potential penal action for non-compliance.
MPCB’s Warning
The board has demanded a response within 15 days, asking the council to provide a plan detailing immediate and long-term measures to ensure 100 percent sewage treatment. “Failure to comply with this notice will result in legal action,” said Jagannath Salunkhe, Regional Officer of MPCB.
