MPCB Issues Stern Notices to PMC Over Mula-Mutha River Pollution Crisis
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has taken decisive action against the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for its failure to implement preventive measures to curb the severe foaming observed in the Mula-Mutha rivers. In two official notices dated January 26, the regulatory body highlighted critical lapses in the city's sewage management infrastructure, which have led to significant environmental degradation.
Inadequate Sewage Treatment Capacity Exposed
Kartikeya Langote, the sub-regional officer of MPCB, emphasized in the notices that PMC has not commissioned sufficient sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity to handle the total sewage generation of 980 million litres per day (MLD). The existing STP infrastructure is woefully inadequate, resulting in vast quantities of untreated sewage being discharged directly into water bodies. This systemic failure has been a persistent issue, with MPCB officials pointing out that the civic body has not complied with previous directives issued in 2019 to strengthen the sewage disposal system.
Inspections Reveal Alarming Findings
The board's action follows comprehensive inspections conducted at multiple key locations, including:
- The river confluence at Sangamwadi
- Naidu Hospital STP
- Mundhwa facility
- Kharadi STP
During these inspections, MPCB officials identified that the heavy foaming is primarily caused by improperly treated effluent. In Mundhwa, untreated sewage was found entering the river directly through a nullah (open drain), severely deteriorating water quality. At the Kharadi STP, the board noted issues such as improper hydraulic regulation and inadequate operational control, further exacerbating the pollution problem.
Critical Pollution Metrics on the Rise
Currently, approximately 500 MLD of untreated sewage is being discharged directly into the Mula and Mutha rivers through 10 major nullahs. This unchecked discharge has led to an alarming increase in key pollution indicators, including:
- Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
- Chemical oxygen demand (COD)
- Faecal coliform levels
These elevated levels not only indicate severe water quality deterioration but also pose significant health risks to the local population and aquatic life. The situation has been linked to recent incidents of mass fish kills, underscoring the urgency of the crisis.
Unsewered Areas Compound the Problem
MPCB officials also highlighted that several newly merged areas within Pune remain entirely unsewered. These include:
- Kharadi
- Kondhwa
- Pisoli
- Bavdhan
- Sus
- Undri
The lack of proper sewage infrastructure in these regions contributes significantly to the overall pollution load, making it even more challenging to address the river contamination effectively.
MPCB's Directives and PMC's Response
In response to these findings, MPCB has issued a stern ultimatum to PMC, ordering the municipal body to:
- Investigate the matter thoroughly
- Implement immediate measures to prevent further deterioration of river water quality
- Submit an action taken report within 48 hours
Babasaheb Kukade, the regional officer of MPCB, confirmed that while a hearing with PMC officials has commenced, it remains inconclusive pending the submission of a formal report. The board's swift action underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for urgent remedial steps to safeguard Pune's vital water resources.
