PMC’s Rs 15 cr frozen for polluting Ujani water

On Mar 22, 2022

Pune : NpNews24 Online – Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) | The Ujani dam water has been polluted through effluents released in Mula-Mutha river from Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Effluents from household sewerage are found in the Ujani dam water above the permissible levels. This has resulted in the freeze of Rs 15 crore of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). A case has already been filed in the court against the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).

This was revealed by state environment minister Aditya Thackeray while replying to a starred question in the state legislature. He said, “The Ujani water has been polluted due to sewage released from Pune and Pimpri Chichwad. This has been causing health hazards to citizens, which is partially true. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) tests the quality of water in Ujani from time to time. Chemicals are not found in the Ujani water. However, effluents related to household sewage water have been found above the permissible limits in the dam water. The PMC’s Rs 15 crore has been frozen due to water pollution caused by the Mula-Mutha river and their tributaries under relevant Acts. The MPCB has also issued proper instructions to the PMC.”

Earlier, the MPCB had issued directives to the PCMC in this regard in 2019, 2020 and 2021. A criminal case has been filed against the PCMC in the court. The matter is sub judice, said Thackeray.

Water pollution issue

Water released from the dam systems around Pune is stored in the Ujani dam. Industrial effluents, sewerage and chemical-laden water is released in Bhima river. The Ujani dam and its backwaters occupy huge space. A green layer of pollution is seen on the dam water, which is adversely affecting the farmers downstream. This has endangered flora and fauna in the dam water and citizens in Solapur.

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