In response to the escalating pollution levels in the Indrayani River attributed to industrial units in the red zone of Talawade, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is set to initiate a joint operation with the police and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The move follows criticism of the MPCB for the increasing contamination in the river, marked by a persistent layer of toxic foam over the past 10 days.
MPCB’s Member Secretary, Avinash Dhakane, accompanied by local officials, including representatives from PCMC’s environment department, conducted an inspection along the course of the Indrayani River from its origin to Alandi on Saturday. During the visit, both short-term and long-term measures were deliberated upon by the officials.
The Talawade area, housing approximately 300 small industrial units, has been designated as a red zone by the defense ministry. Concerns have been raised about these units allegedly discharging untreated waste into the Indrayani River.
Dhakane expressed the challenges faced in accessing these areas due to potential confrontations and announced the formation of a squad comprising local police, MPCB, and PCMC officials to inspect these industrial units. Stringent action will be taken against those found violating pollution norms, including measures such as disconnecting water and electricity supply.
Highlighting the issue of illegal operations, Dhakane emphasized the importance of understanding how these units acquire water and electricity. He affirmed, “We will take action against those violating the norms.” Dhakane clarified that while untreated domestic waste is a significant contributor to pollution in the Indrayani River within PCMC limits, pollution from illegal industrial units remains limited.
“There are no big industrial units generating chemicals in the PCMC limits that can cause pollution. But some small illegal units are there where activities like washing are carried out and needs to be controlled. A drive will be carried out for it,” Dhakane said.
