Nashik: Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal (IAS: 1989: MH), has directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to take strict action against industrial units allegedly discharging untreated or inadequately treated wastewater into the Godavari and its tributaries in Nashik.
The directions include inspections and raids at suspected industrial units, comprehensive water-quality testing and action against officials who permitted violations despite the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) conditions imposed on industries.
The instructions were issued during a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary at Mantralaya, Mumbai, on November 4, to review pollution in the Godavari and its tributaries. The meeting took place against the backdrop of proceedings in the Bombay High Court concerning the continuing pollution of the river.
MPCB Asked to Inspect Industries and Identify Pollution Sources
The Chief Secretary has directed the MPCB to undertake extensive water-quality monitoring across the Godavari and its tributaries, including the Nandini river, local drains and suspected industrial discharge points.
The pollution control board has been asked to:
- Collect water samples from multiple locations and conduct scientific analysis to establish the extent and sources of contamination.
- Inspect and raid suspected industrial units discharging untreated or inadequately treated effluents.
- Initiate penalties and closure proceedings wherever violations are established under environmental laws.
- Prepare a list of the most polluting industries, including details of their owners.
- Verify compliance with Zero Liquid Discharge conditions imposed while granting industrial permissions.
The Chief Secretary also stressed that responsibility must be fixed on officials who allowed or facilitated violations despite the prescribed environmental conditions. Disciplinary proceedings, including suspension where warranted, have been directed in accordance with applicable rules.
MIDC Asked to Examine How Polluting Units Were Allowed to Operate
The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has been asked to investigate how industries allegedly violating pollution-control requirements were established and permitted to operate in Nashik’s industrial areas.
The corporation has also been directed to identify instances of negligence, dereliction of duty or possible complicity and ensure that accountability is fixed wherever violations are established.
The directions extend beyond industrial units to other sources of pollution and encroachments along the river.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has been instructed to inspect unauthorised constructions within the Godavari’s blue and red flood lines. The civic body and the Water Resources Department have also been asked to verify illegal structures highlighted in photographs submitted before the High Court.
₹250-Crore Wastewater Treatment Project for Ambad and Satpur
The meeting also reviewed plans for wastewater treatment infrastructure serving the Ambad and Satpur industrial areas.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation has estimated that approximately ₹250 crore will be required for the proposed sewage treatment plant and associated sewerage network.
The proposed funding arrangement is:
- MIDC: Two-thirds of the project cost.
- Nashik Municipal Corporation: The remaining one-third.
- Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP): Technical examination of the site and grant of technical sanction to the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Authorities have also been directed to take interim measures to prevent further pollution while the treatment infrastructure is being developed.
Chromium Contamination in Nandini River Under Investigation
The review also addressed concerns over chromium contamination in the Godavari river system.
Nashik Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri informed the meeting that chromium contamination had been reported in the Nandini, a tributary of the Godavari, rather than in the main channel of the river.
The Chief Secretary directed the MPCB to scientifically verify the extent of contamination through sampling and laboratory analysis.
The issue has drawn attention during proceedings before the Bombay High Court, which expressed concern over reported chromium contamination and the continued discharge of hazardous industrial effluents.
Godavari Protection Police Squad Proposed
The meeting also discussed the proposed formation of a dedicated Godavari Protection Police Squad to strengthen enforcement and prevent pollution along the river.
The Nashik Police Commissioner had proposed deploying 30 personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation for the purpose.
Pending a final decision on funding, the Environment Department was directed to arrange provisional funding for their salaries and related expenses through the MPCB.
The Nashik Divisional Commissioner has been asked to coordinate with the departments concerned and prepare a comprehensive proposal covering funding, creation of posts and other administrative requirements.
Pollution Control Measures Ahead of 2027 Kumbh Mela
The directions assume significance as Nashik and Trimbakeshwar prepare to host the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is expected to draw large numbers of pilgrims.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation is also undertaking work to strengthen sewage treatment capacity. According to Commissioner Manisha Khatri, four new large sewage treatment plants are being constructed and an existing facility is being upgraded. These facilities are expected to be completed by March 2027.
The new plants are designed to maintain biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels in treated water below 5 mg/litre, she said.
The Chief Secretary has directed all concerned departments and agencies to treat the matter as a priority and ensure coordinated, time-bound implementation of pollution-control measures.
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