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Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
PCMC's green claims fall flat as ESR reveals air, river pollution still high
1 2 3 4 Pune: The latest Environment Status Report (ESR) of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) reveals alarming levels of air and river pollution across the twin cities, despite the civic body's claims of launching green initiatives. The revelation has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists and residents alike. The ESR data for 2024-25 reveals that the city's average particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM10 levels — key indicators of air pollution — significantly exceeded India's National Ambient Air Quality Standards. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Similarly, critical water quality parameters like dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) in the Pavana, Indrayani, and Mula rivers — all of which flow through Pimpri Chinchwad — were found to be far beyond limits considered safe, pointing to severe contamination. Prashant Raul, an activist from the Green Army group, slammed PCMC's initiatives and said, "The ground reality is far worse than even what the ESR suggests. If our rivers remain polluted despite crores of rupees spent on green projects, something is seriously wrong with PCMC's approach. Their awards for environmental initiatives now seem hollow in light of this report." In June 2025, PCMC raised Rs200 crore via green municipal bonds to fund sustainable projects like Harit Setu. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cliff Richard's Partner Finally Revealed – You Won't Believe Who Outlier Model Undo Last year, it also clinched top spot in the state's 'Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan 4.0' for environmental conservation. Raul told TOI that the ESR's detailed findings show dangerously low DO levels in parts of the Pavana river. "Low DO levels threaten aquatic life and pose serious health risks to residents relying on these rivers," he said. Last year, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classified the Pavana river under the 'Priority 1' category, marking it among India's most polluted rivers. Despite its role as a primary drinking water source for the city, PCMC's efforts to address river pollution appear inadequate. Reports of floating dead fish and toxic foam in the river are frequent. Activists blame the civic body for releasing untreated effluents into rivers due to an inadequate network of sewage treatment plants (STP). Shailaja Deshpande of NGO Jeevitnadi, who has been working in the river conservation sector for several years, highlighted, "The STPs within PCMC limits are not operating in accordance with CPCB norms, resulting in a significant amount of untreated effluent being released directly into the rivers." When it comes to air pollution, local resident Pushkar Kulkarni attributed the surge to unplanned development. "New high-rise projects are mushrooming, but there is no proper planning for resources. Construction dust is a major contributor to PM2.5 and PM10 levels, and norms are not strictly followed," he said. Despite being a major industrial hub, Pimpri Chinchwad lacks a dedicated facility for hazardous waste disposal as well. "Without proper disposal systems, illegal burning of hazardous waste is rampant, further worsening air quality," pointed out Raul. Sanjay Kulkarni, PCMC's city engineer and head of the environment department, acknowledged the rising pollution levels but attributed them to ongoing construction and development activities. "We have introduced measures like mechanical road sweeping, fog cannons, and air bins under the National Clean Air Programme. A dedicated squad also monitors compliance at construction sites," he told TOI. On river pollution, Kulkarni said, "We have prepared a master drainage plan to prevent untreated discharges into rivers, but we are awaiting funds from state or Central govts. In the past six months, PCMC added three new STPs, with one more set to be operational soon. At present, 20 STPs are functional across the city, and we are committed to cleaning our rivers." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
Hindustan Times
2 days 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.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Activists slam PCMC over proposed tree felling, 1,200 objections filed
Over 100 citizens and environmental activists, present for the hearing of the proposed tree felling of 1,009 trees in Wakad and Sangvi for the Riverfront Development Project (RFD) on Monday, claimed the proposed docket prepared by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) was illegal and legally flawed. According to PCMC officials, the revised docket proposes felling of 1,009 trees, transplanting 2,252. (HT) The PCMC last month had issued a public notice in newspapers regarding the proposed tree felling and replantation of trees that will be affected during the RFD project. The civic body received over 1,200 suggestions and objections to the project. During the hearing, held at the civic garden in Bhosari, green activists submitted a fresh letter demanding cancellation of the existing docket, which they claimed violates the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975. According to PCMC officials, the revised docket proposes felling of 1,009 trees, transplanting 2,252, and retaining 3,585 trees, including heritage and ecologically significant trees. Besides, 67 trees have already fallen naturally due to age or calamities. Activists argued that the very basis of the current hearing is flawed as Section 5(a) of the Tree Act mandates that only the Tree Authority or designated Tree Officer can carry out official tree surveys. The documents presented lack basic legal compliance as they do not include geo-tagged photographs, survey dates, or location coordinates, they said. Green activist, Prashant Raul, pointed out that many trees currently standing at the site were missing from the survey report. 'A previous tree census from December 2021 by PCMC, which provides a more accurate count, was ignored. An RTI has also been filed demanding that the older data be used to assess the objections. The report fails to follow the Act's definition of a tree, omitting climbers, grasses, and shrubs. Additionally, the Expert Committee's report, which should clarify why certain trees are being felled or transplanted, was not made available,' he said. Another major concern, according to activists, is that the hearing focused only on the Wakad to Sangvi stretch, while the RFD covers up to Dapodi. Activists questioned why permissions and objections are being considered phase-wise when project approvals were taken for the full stretch. Also, native species such as Karanj, Neem, Banyan, Peepal and Babool were labelled as 'invasive' in the report, drawing widespread criticism. Raju Savle, civic activist, also accused PCMC of already cutting down trees without necessary permissions. Evidence, including photos from 2023, 2024 and this year was submitted, showing large-scale felling to make way for contractor's vehicles and machinery. Mahesh Gargote, head of the garden department, PCMC, said, 'The Tree department has received around 1,200 objections from the public. These objections will be compiled and forwarded to the Environment department and later presented before the Tree Authority. The project work has begun in some sections. All objections would be considered and possible corrective actions would be taken following the Tree Act guidelines.'
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Why it's a Black Environment Week for this PCMC engineer
On June 7, Prashant Raul, an engineer from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), will set off on a 15 km walk from Dehu to Alandi to spread awareness about pollution in the Indrayani River, which connects the two pilgrimage sites, and other ecological realities. If the walk comes after World Environment Day, it is for a reason. 'Across the world, people get together on June 5 to celebrate World Environment Day with sapling plantations and so on. I do not feel that there is any cause to celebrate, as we have damaged all five elements, from earth to air. This is a time for action. That is why I have initiated the Black Environment Week to draw people's attention to real problems,' he says. Raul, who set up an initiative called Green Army Pimpri-Chinchwad four years ago, is observing Black Environment Week this week, during which he is working towards generating awareness and mobilising people to take steps to save the planet. 'Not many people are aware when World Environment Day started and why. There is a lack of awareness that Jeju Province in the Republic of Korea has been chosen as the host location for World Environment Day, or that the theme this year is ending plastic pollution,' he adds. Raul, who was one of the litigants in the Save Metro Eco Park case in 2024, is an active member of PCMC's environment-conscious groups. The Green Army has campaigned against illegal tree felling – Raul has lodged six FIRs against it– and promoted the 'nature island' form of tree transplantation in which small clusters of saplings are planted in barren spaces to encourage afforestation. After Diwali 2024, Raul conducted 13 Air Quality Index (AQI) walks to capture real-time AQIs in PCMC. The Green Army Plate Bank, which has 22 centres in PCMC, gives out free steel plates, glasses and cutlery in an attempt to reduce single-use waste. The days surrounding World Environment Day have been observed as World Cycling Day and Zero Food Waste Day, among others. Raul has been engaging with people online and offline on the dangers of sound pollution caused by blowing horns, and the great problem of waste. On June 5, he will give a talk in a corporate office on a sustainable lifestyle, and conduct an online session on energy literacy. But, it is during the walk that Raul hopes to connect with the highest number of people. 'The Indrayani River is among the most polluted, and I am looking forward to discussions on how untreated sewage is getting discharged in the river, the meanings of biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand and how a river dies,' says Raul. India's acute groundwater crisis and air pollution will also be discussed during Raul's walk. 'I will be conducting Facebook Live sessions and making videos during the walk to reach more people,' he says. While Raul is uncertain about the impact of his advocacy—though there are many responses to his social media posts on the environment—he is undeterred about continuing his crusade for the planet. Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
04-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Citizens protest against Indrayani River pollution in Pimpri-Chinchwad
Concerned over the perennial issue of rising pollution in the Indrayani River; hundreds of citizens gathered at the riverbank near Moi Phata on Sunday to protest against the inaction of the local authorities. Holding placards and raising slogans, residents demanded urgent measures to clean the river and stop untreated sewage and waste from flowing into it the river. Prashant Raul, green activist who was part of the protest, said, 'The river water is foaming, and citizens health is at risk. We are not asking for luxury, just clean water and a clean river.' The protesters stated that Ram Nallah, a stream that flows from Kudulwadi and Chikhali joins the Indrayani, was once a natural water body, it has now turned into a gutter filled with construction debris, plastic waste, and contaminated water. 'Three months ago, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) took action against scrap dealers in the area, blaming them for polluting the river. However, even after the crackdown, nothing has changed. Dirty water is still reportedly seen flowing into the river. The administration is simply ignoring the issue,' said Raju Savle, social activist. The protesters also raised concerns about the impact of river pollution on religious towns like Dehu and Alandi, located along the Indrayani. Millions of Warkaris and pilgrims visit these holy sites and drink the river water as sacred. Citizens demanded that the municipal corporation should stop releasing untreated water directly into the river and ensure that only clean water enters it. The natural flow of the river should be maintained. Besides, the dumping of debris and construction material inside the riverbed should be stopped to protect biodiversity. The protesters also pointed out flaws in the ongoing river rejuvenation project by PCMC. Instead of prioritizing sewage treatment, the focus is on beautification. PCMC is building walls and adding decorative elements while ignoring the real problem. Also, in some places, they are even filling up parts of the river, disrupting its natural path. A senior officer from PCMC, on request of anonymity, said, 'Small portion of Indrayani river flows through PCMC limits. There are other local bodies through which these rivers pass, and the river water gets polluted. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Dehu Cantonment Board, Dehu Municipal Council, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and gram panchayat all these authorities should also work together to stop Indrayani River pollution.'
