In a concerning turn of events, various civic organizations in Pune are calling for criminal cases against the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s environment department, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The allegations stem from their purported failure to control pollution in the Pawana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers. Citizens have taken matters into their own hands, writing a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the severity of the issue and demanding decisive actions against those responsible.
Despite persistent efforts to address river pollution concerns with the PCMC and both Pollution Control Boards, the organizations claim their appeals have fallen on deaf ears. The situation has escalated to the point where the organizations are contemplating filing a green arbitration against these entities, stressing the urgency of immediate attention to safeguard both citizens and rivers from the detrimental effects of pollution.
Key Points Highlighted in the Letter:
- PCMC’s Non-Compliance: The PCMC allegedly failed to adhere to the 2015 CPDC instructions for a time-bound plan for sewage treatment, river regeneration, and quality improvement. Approximately 50 MLD of untreated sewage continues to be discharged into the rivers, adversely impacting aquatic life.
- Green Tribunal Order Ignored: There is an alleged non-compliance with the August 2019 Green Tribunal order, which mandates local bodies to treat 100% sewage and manage solid waste. The organization proposes recovering fines from the salaries of Municipal Corporation officers for non-compliance.
- Unimplemented Decision: The December 2019 decision, made in a meeting chaired by the Member Secretary of MPCB, where the Municipal Corporation committed to treating 100% wastewater as per the Green Arbitration order, has reportedly not been implemented.
Suraj Babar, President of the Agriculture-Environment-Education and Civic Problem Solving Association, raised a poignant question, “Does MPCB just look at the municipal proceedings?” He urged for criminal cases against all culprits, emphasizing the adverse effects on citizens’ health and the water system.
Additionally, the Human Rights Protection and Awareness organization issued a warning of potential agitation, citing chemically contaminated water discharge in the sacred Indrayani river. The compromise of citizens’ lives and the religious significance of the river has prompted a demand for legal action against the establishments polluting the river before the upcoming Kartiki Ekadashi festivities. The organization has warned of protests if prompt measures are not taken.
