Thousands of fishes and aquatic organisms were found dead and washed ashore of the Kundalika River in Roha due to high pollution in its water, said civic sources from Roha. “The fishes might have died due to polluted water, as chemicals and drainage water was being released in the river,” informed Vikas Patil, Tehsildar of Roha.
Patil, who had visited the site, claimed that his office had written to the Maharshtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) highlighting the incident. “There are many heavy and chemical industries along the river. Most of them flush out their waste and hard water directly into the river, thus polluting the water body and endangering both, human and aquatic life,” he said.
Around six months ago, the MPCB had conducted pre-monsoon tests to determine the percentage of organochlorines and other persistent pollutants. “Kundalika, Ambi and Vashishti are three rivers that run close to the city. They are used by villagers and tourists. Pollutants in the river can be carcinogenic,” said a source in the MPCB.
Though the test reports were supposed to be made public before November, it appears that the MPCB is still analysing the collected data. “The report is yet to be filed. We will shortly compile all the data and the carry out necessary procedures,” informed Ajay Saraf, senior official, MPCB. “In order to safely dispose the industrial water, companies need to send it to a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP). It is only after the CETP detoxifies the waste, that it is disposed,” said Valsa Nair-Singh, chairperson, MPCB. Apparently, based on the amount of waste sent by industries, the CETP charges them and the amount runs into crores. “But, in order to save money, most industries avoid CETP treatment and directly release untreated wastewater into water bodies,” stated the source.
Moreover, locals have accused one such industry of dumping its untreated waste into the river resulting in loss of precious aquatic life and endangering human lives too. “Many villagers from Khed, Boras, Shivkhud, Shivbudh and surrounding areas use this water for domestic purpose. Who will take responsibility in case of human fatality,” questioned Patil.
This is not the first instance of a company dumping its toxic waste in a water body. Last year, around 50 chemical companies were issued notices by the MPCB and the state for disposing waste following improper procedures.
“The report has not been filed. We will shortly compile all the data and then carry out necessary procedures.”
– MPCB official