Panvel: The issue of increasing river pollution due to chemical-laden wastewater discharged from industries in the Thane and Raigad districts was raised in the ongoing Maharashtra Legislative Assembly budget session by MLAs Prashant Thakur and Mahesh Baldi. They highlighted how industrial waste from multiple MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) zones is contaminating local rivers, affecting citizens, agriculture, and marine life.
According to the MLAs, hazardous and chemical-laden water from Taloja MIDC is being dumped into the Kasadi River, while industrial units in Ambernath, Badlapur, Titwala, Ulhasnagar, and Dombivli, including jeans-washing companies, are releasing untreated wastewater into the Waldhuni and Ulhas rivers. Additionally, the fishing industry in Pen and Alibag talukas is under threat due to pollution from companies near Dharamtar Creek and Shahabaz.
Citing repeated complaints from citizens and public representatives, Thakur and Baldi demanded a thorough government investigation into the matter. They questioned what actions had been taken by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and a previously formed expert committee to curb the pollution and hold accountable those responsible.
Government Acknowledges Pollution Concerns
Responding to the concerns, Maharashtra Environment Minister Pankaja Munde admitted that pollution levels in these rivers had risen due to industrial discharge. She stated that industrial wastewater from Taloja MIDC is being collected through an underground pipeline and discharged at designated locations under the guidance of the National Institute of Oceanography. She also confirmed that the MPCB conducts regular inspections of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) and issues show-cause notices to violators.
Munde further revealed that a government-formed 10-member committee has been studying the impact of pollution on Dharamtar Creek and the local fishing industry since 2019. The committee has held ten meetings so far and is currently collecting data on affected fishermen.
While the government insists on taking action against pollution violations, MLAs and environmental activists continue to demand stricter enforcement and accountability from industries contributing to river contamination.
