Pune: NGT Summons PCMC, PMRDA, ZP, MPCB and Collector’s Officer Over Pavana River Pollution

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) western zone branch has summoned local bodies in the Pune district due to significant pollution in the Pavana River and inadequate pollution-control efforts. The NGT, while hearing a petition filed by citizen activist Krunnal Gharre, issued summons on Friday to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (PMRDA), Zilla Parishad (ZP), Pune, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the District Collector of Pune. These officials are required to be present at the next hearing scheduled for August 27, as per the order.

Gharre had filed a petition on July 17 against these local bodies, raising concerns over pollution in the Pavana River due to insufficient sewage infrastructure, urbanization, and industrial development. This situation has placed the Pavana River in the `Priority 1’ category according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines.

“It is alleged that this pollution is happening due to lack of willpower, lack of empathy, artificially created administrative silos, bureaucratic red tape, and even deliberate inaction,” the order stated. Gharre highlighted that various orders passed by the tribunal regarding river pollution have been ignored by regulatory authorities.

“A joint committee, including higher authorities such as the principal secretary of the Environment Department and other departments, along with the river management and rejuvenation committee, was formed to combat pollution in the Mula, Mutha, Indrayani, Pavana, and other rivers in the Pune region. However, these committees have failed to deliver intended results, prompting the complaint,” Gharre added.

The case seeks comprehensive restitution of the Pavana River. Gharre, in collaboration with local residents, the Bhugaon Bhukum Gram Panchayat, and the PMC, successfully achieved a sewage-free 6 km stretch of the Ram Nadi, setting a precedent for effective river rejuvenation efforts. The NGT emphasized a significant lack of accountability and coordination among district authorities, leading to ongoing environmental issues and violations of existing environmental regulations.

Ravindra Andhale, regional officer of MPCB Pune, commented, “The MPCB has been addressing the river pollution issue seriously. We will present the reasons for the pollution of the Pavana River, along with laboratory reports and identification of responsible parties. Several directives have been issued in the past to local bodies to prevent river pollution, which will also be submitted to the tribunal.”