The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter related to the increasing pollution in Indrayani River in Pune resulting in formation of toxic foam floating on the surface of the river.
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item appearing in the daily newspaper dated 12.02.2024.
As per the news item, pollution of river has become a perpetual problem due to a lack of coordination and inaction by the local bodies.
The news item reveals that effluent in large quantities is being released in the river water and the river is getting polluted as a result of untreated industrial and domestic waste.
The news item also records that while Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) attributes pollution to domestic sewage, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) claims that it is caused by industrial effluent being released into the river.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of the Scheduled enactments.
“Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.”
On advance notice, status report on behalf of MPCB has been filed disclosing the details of four incidences and observation during the foam incidence as under:
“3) Recent Foam Incidences:
i) 1st foam incident occurred on 11/11/2023 when there was heavy rain.
ii) 2nd foam incident occurred on 02/12/2023 when there was discharged of dam water for Kartiki wari at Alandi.
iii) 3rd foam incident occurred on 05/01/2024 when there was overflow at Alandi bandhara due to increased water level.
iv) 4th foam incident occurred on 11/02/2024 when there was overflow due to increased water level.
4) Observations during the Foam incidence:- MPCB has carried out Indrayani river water monitoring at place where foam incidence occurred. As per the observations at various locations on Indrayani river and analysis reports received for water samples collected during the foam incidence, details are as below:-
i) Concentration of Detergent parameter is considerably high in river water at various locations.
ii) From the origin of Indrayani river to Alandi Municipal Council there is no any major trade effluent generating industry situated on the bank of river Indrayani.”
The report does not reflect any effective action by MPCB, the NGT noted.
Hence, the Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr. A Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
(1). Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board through its Member Secretary.
(2). Commissioner, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.
(3). Metropolitan Commissioner, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority.
(4). District Collector & District Magistrate, Pune.
Since the matter relates to the Western Zonal Bench, Pune , therefore , the Bench transferred the matter to the Western Zonal Bench for appropriate further action. Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Western Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 28.05.2024.