Pune News – In a proactive move to tackle river pollution, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced plans to clean up nullahs within its jurisdiction that flow into rivers, attributing a significant portion of river pollution to untreated sewage and contaminated water from these channels.
PMC officials have outlined a multifaceted approach aimed at mapping nullahs, preventing sewage discharge into waterways, and enhancing stormwater drainage systems to curb pollution levels and ensure cleaner river ecosystems.
Highlighting the critical importance of cleaning nullahs, the PMC commissioner emphasized that this initiative is paramount in achieving pollution-free waterways, with the potential to significantly reduce river contamination.
Furthermore, the PMC is actively upgrading existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with modern technology and expanding their capacity. Collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is underway to establish 11 new STPs, with the overarching goal of treating all sewage generated within the city limits.
Since the merger of 11 villages with the PMC in 2017, including areas like Shivane, Ambegaon, and Mundhwa, efforts have been underway to address sewage management challenges in these regions. The PMC is striving to integrate sewage lines from these villages into the city’s main network, aiming to mitigate pollution from untreated household waste.
However, the integration of 23 additional villages with the PMC has presented new hurdles, particularly in villages lacking sewage infrastructure like Handewadi and Shewalewadi. These areas collectively contribute significant volumes of untreated sewage to nearby water bodies, highlighting the urgency of comprehensive sewage management measures.
As the PMC takes decisive steps to clean up nullahs and improve sewage treatment infrastructure, the initiative marks a pivotal moment in Pune’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its rivers and enhance environmental sustainability.
