Pune: MPCB Reports High Pollution Levels in Mula River at Pimple Nilakh and Baner, NGT Seeks Action Plan from PMC
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PUNE: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that pollution levels in the Mula River at Pimple Nilakh and Baner have exceeded permissible limits, posing a severe environmental threat. The alarming findings follow sample testing conducted after a massive fish die-off was reported in the river on September 22, 2024.
According to the MPCB report, both organic and inorganic pollutants in these stretches were found beyond acceptable levels. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), key indicators of water pollution, were recorded at critically high levels.
Pollution Data from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs):
- Pimple Nilakh (20 MLD STP)
- December 2023: BOD – 54 mg/l, COD – 140 mg/l
- December 2024: BOD – 8.4 mg/l, COD – 28 mg/l (slight improvement)
- Baner (30 MLD STP)
- August 2024: BOD – 46.8 mg/l, COD – 132 mg/l
As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms, treated sewage water should have BOD levels below 10 mg/l and COD below 50 mg/l. The report highlights that these values were significantly breached, raising serious concerns about untreated wastewater entering the river.
The MPCB also noted that the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) violated pollution norms for 1,178 days, while Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) failed compliance for 1,531 days.
NGT Seeks Action Plan from PMC
Following these findings, the NGT’s Western Bench in Pune has directed PMC to submit an action plan to mitigate pollution in the Mula River. The directive was issued on February 6 during a hearing of a suo motu case initiated after media reports surfaced about the fish deaths. The next hearing is scheduled for April 9, 2025.
In an affidavit submitted to the tribunal, MPCB Pune Regional Officer J.S. Salunkhe stated that a personal hearing with PMC and PCMC officials was conducted on January 28, 2025. During this meeting, both municipal bodies were asked to submit data on:
- Water consumption
- Domestic sewage generation
- Existing sewage treatment plants (STPs) in river basins
- Proposed action plans for pollution control
Additionally, MPCB has issued multiple notices to both PMC and PCMC, demanding compliance with effluent discharge standards and an immediate halt to the release of untreated wastewater into the river.
Growing Environmental Concerns
The pollution in the Mula River has raised serious concerns among environmentalists and citizens, who are calling for immediate corrective measures to prevent further ecological damage. The contamination has not only affected aquatic life but also poses a long-term risk to water quality in Pune.
Authorities are now under pressure to implement stricter pollution control measures and ensure proper functioning of sewage treatment plants to restore the health of the Mula River.
