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Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Polluted drains carrying industrial waste to rivers: PCMC report
Almost all nullahs in the Pimpri Chinchwad area which flow into rivers are highly polluted, according to the latest Environmental Status Report (ESR) released by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Tuesday. These drains continue to discharge water even during the summer season, indicating a constant flow of domestic sewage and chemical-laced wastewater, causing significant pollution in the rivers. These nullahs are natural channels meant only for rainwater. However, during inspection, these were found carrying a dangerous mix of household waste, sewage, and industrial effluents, especially from slum and industrial areas. This untreated wastewater enters rivers, severely degrading the water quality. (HT FILE) The ESR 2024-2025 states that 60 nullahs flow into the Pawana River, 12 into the Indrayani River, and nine into the Mula River. These nullahs are natural channels meant only for rainwater. However, during inspection, these were found carrying a dangerous mix of household waste, sewage, and industrial effluents, especially from slum and industrial areas. This untreated wastewater enters rivers, severely degrading the water quality. According to civic officials, during the seasonal chemical testing in the Pavana, Mula and Indrayani rivers, Pavana was identified as the most polluted. Since it flows through the heart of the city, it receives direct inflow from several contaminated drains. Indrayani, which flows through industrial belts, is the second most polluted. As per the report, the pH (potential of Hydrogen) levels of all three rivers are within the permissible limits set by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. However, environmental experts are of the view that even within acceptable pH levels, other harmful chemicals can become more soluble at lower pH values, posing serious risks to aquatic life. Green activist Prashant Raul said, 'Many references and data are unrealistic and misleading, or may have been copied and pasted from a previous report, or are based on wrong information. I will raise objections against this ESR. The nullahs and rivers were polluted even in the previous years, but no measures were taken by PCMC.' However, Sanjay Kulkarni, city engineer and head of the environment department at PCMC, said action has been initiated against individuals and industries found releasing untreated wastewater in nullahs and rivers. He also said that the civic body has prepared a master plan to combat water pollution. 'We will set up several STPs (sewage treatment plants) which will be able to treat over 300 MLD of wastewater. The PCMC has sent the proposal to both the central and state governments, seeking funds under various schemes,' he added.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
State tightens rules for pop ganpati idols and forms expert panel for eco friendly disposal
Nagpur: The state government has banned the immersion of Lord Ganesh's Plaster of Paris (POP) idols in natural water bodies. A fresh set of guidelines, issued on August 1, introduces stricter norms. Under the new rules, all POP idols must carry a red circle painted on their back and be immersed only in artificial ponds. The norms aim to curb water pollution and promote eco-conscious rituals for a greener Ganeshotsav. "Every POP idol, big or small, must now have a painted red dot using oil paint. This mark will help citizens and authorities easily identify the material and ensure compliance with disposal norms," the government stated. Idol sellers and makers must maintain a detailed sale register and provide each customer with a pamphlet—supplied by local bodies—outlining immersion instructions. If no alternative is available for immersion, POP idols must be retrieved from natural water bodies the very next day. For idols under six feet—typically used in homes and small community setups—immersion is permitted only in artificial ponds. Local self-government bodies, such as municipal corporations and councils, have been instructed to set up dedicated registration desks for public mandals, collecting detailed information on the type and size of installed idols. They must also ensure adequate artificial pond infrastructure with proper water treatment facilities. Each pond must contain 8–10 times more water than required, and the water must be treated within a week before being sent to sewage treatment plants. Interestingly, the state is also encouraging reuse over immersion. Large mandals have been urged to install a small idol solely for 'visarjan', while preserving their grand idol for future years. Mandals are also being encouraged to adopt smaller idols altogether. After immersion, all sludge and material collected from ponds must be stored for at least 15 days and then processed scientifically. The government has directed local bodies to collaborate with institutions such as the National Chemical Laboratory and relevant NGOs for the environmentally safe recycling of POP waste. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has been directed to launch an aggressive awareness campaign through social media, traditional platforms, and local outreach initiatives. Direction boards to visarjan spots, street plays in schools, and massive community drives are part of the plan. These new rules, applicable to all festivals until March 2026, are legally binding. The state has made it clear: eco-friendliness is no longer optional—it's the new norm. State Forms Expert Panel to Draft Eco-Friendly POP Disposal Guidelines The state government has formed an expert committee to recommend methods for the reuse, recycling, and faster dissolution of POP idols in an eco-friendly manner. The move follows a Bombay High Court order dated July 24, which directed the state to constitute the panel within a month. A Government Resolution (GR) issued on August 1 details the formation of an eight-member committee comprising experts from premier institutions, including IIT Bombay, ICT Mumbai, Neeri (Nagpur), the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Pune, and the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission. The MPCB's member secretary will serve as the committee's chairperson. The panel is tasked with drafting scientific guidelines for safe disposal, promoting biodegradable alternatives, and developing certification standards for eco-friendly POP products. It is authorised to conduct field studies, consult subject matter experts, and utilize government resources as needed. The MPCB will fund and support the committee, which has six months to submit its final report to the state government. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Conduct checks on STPs like ED raids, Munde tells pollution control body
Maharashtra environment minister Pankaja Munde on Saturday said the state's pollution control board must conduct surprise inspections at sewage treatment plants (STPs) on the lines of "raids" by the Enforcement Directorate to ensure compliance with prevalent norms. Addressing a joint meeting with industrialists and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board officials in Nashik, Munde also said industries must grow, but environmental protection has to be prioritised. "Just like the ED conducts raids, the Pollution Control Board must raid STP plants. Check whether the water is being treated properly before being discharged into rivers," Munde said. Addressing the growing concerns of pollution and the role of industry in safeguarding the environment, she said, "We are now facing a global crisis. Industries must grow, but environmental protection must be prioritised. Reducing pollution in zones like the red category is critical." She also highlighted the need for efficient water use and treatment. "Of the total water we use, only 48 per cent is treated, while 52 per cent is wasted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched programmes like Namami Gange after recognising this challenge," Munde said. She further said that while industries expect all necessary support to operate, they also carry a responsibility. "The responsibility initially lies with the industries, and our department steps in after pollution occurs. We will follow up with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavia on the need for pollution control projects, though some of the burden must be borne by the industries themselves. The environment department does not have its own independent funding," she pointed out. Recalling her previous tenure as a minister during the Kumbh Mela, Munde noted the importance of clean water for religious events. "I was a minister during the last Kumbh Mela, and now I am again, as another Kumbh Mela approaches. Pilgrims take holy dips, and the water must be clean where saints and devotees bathe. We must raise funds for the environment just as CSR funds are used for temples and education," she said. She also said sustainable and permanent solutions for cleanliness must be put in place ahead of the event.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Conduct checks on STPs like ED raids: Munde tells pollution control body
Maharashtra environment minister Pankaja Munde on Saturday said the state's pollution control board must conduct surprise inspections at sewage treatment plants (STPs) on the lines of "raids" by the Enforcement Directorate to ensure compliance with prevalent norms. Addressing a joint meeting with industrialists and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board officials in Nashik, Munde also said industries must grow, but environmental protection has to be prioritised. "Just like the ED conducts raids, the Pollution Control Board must raid STP plants. Check whether the water is being treated properly before being discharged into rivers," Munde said. Addressing the growing concerns of pollution and the role of industry in safeguarding the environment, she said, "We are now facing a global crisis. Industries must grow, but environmental protection must be prioritised. Reducing pollution in zones like the red category is critical." She also highlighted the need for efficient water use and treatment. "Of the total water we use, only 48 per cent is treated, while 52 per cent is wasted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched programmes like Namami Gange after recognising this challenge," Munde said. She further said that while industries expect all necessary support to operate, they also carry a responsibility. "The responsibility initially lies with the industries, and our department steps in after pollution occurs. We will follow up with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavia on the need for pollution control projects, though some of the burden must be borne by the industries themselves. The environment department does not have its own independent funding," she pointed out. Recalling her previous tenure as a minister during the Kumbh Mela, Munde noted the importance of clean water for religious events. "I was a minister during the last Kumbh Mela, and now I am again, as another Kumbh Mela approaches. Pilgrims take holy dips, and the water must be clean where saints and devotees bathe. We must raise funds for the environment just as CSR funds are used for temples and education," she said. She also said sustainable and permanent solutions for cleanliness must be put in place ahead of the event.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
POP Ganesh idols must carry red mark for easy identification: State issues immersion guidelines
MUMBAI: With Ganeshotsav approaching, the Maharashtra government on Friday issued a detailed set of guidelines for the immersion of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP), following a recent Bombay High Court ruling that lifted the ban on such idols but called for strict regulatory measures to mitigate environmental harm. Pune, India - August 31, 2024: An artist doing last touch ups to the Ganesha idol for the upcoming Ganesh Festival at Shukrawar peth in Pune, India, on Saturday, August 31, 2024. (HT photo) According to the new directive, all POP idols must carry a circular red mark, painted in oil paint on the back, to ensure easy identification. The rule will be enforced at the production and sale stage, with idol makers and vendors now required to maintain a register of POP idol sales—a condition for obtaining their annual licences. To monitor the implementation, local self-governing bodies have been asked to establish dedicated registration cells for Utsav Samitis and Sarvajanik Mandals within their jurisdictions. During registration, organisers must declare the materials used and the dimensions of each idol, so appropriate immersion plans can be made. Household idols to be immersed only in artificial ponds The guidelines make it mandatory for all POP idols below six feet in height to be immersed only in artificial ponds. For larger idols—those above six feet—immersion in natural water bodies such as rivers or the sea may be permitted only if artificial ponds are not available. In such cases, civic authorities must ensure the removal of the immersed material from the water body and seabed the following day, either directly or through appointed agencies. Recognising the pollution risk posed by POP, which does not dissolve easily, the state has advised organisers to opt for smaller idols. Mandals using large POP idols are encouraged to install a smaller replica exclusively for immersion, allowing the main idol to be reused or preserved for future years. Environmental safeguards and public awareness The government has also directed local bodies to collaborate with institutions that have technical and scientific expertise to manage the sludge and wastewater from artificial ponds in an environmentally sound manner. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will lead a state-wide awareness campaign promoting eco-friendly festival practices, including the preparation and rollout of a dedicated media plan. Idol makers must also issue informative pamphlets to devotees purchasing POP idols, outlining the immersion rules and encouraging compliance. In line with the High Court's observations, the state has amended its earlier July 21 notification and has now formed a committee of experts to explore sustainable solutions for POP usage. This expert group has been tasked with developing scientific methods for faster dissolution of POP, creating protocols for its recycling and reuse, and exploring biodegradable alternatives to reduce the festival's environmental footprint.
