The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Department of Central Government, has finally directed the Maharashtra Control Pollution Board (MPCB) to look into the several complaints regarding the release of hazardous chemicals in the Waldhuni River. The Afternoon D&C; had earlier reported about the discharge of chemical effluents in an open nullah that ends up in Waldhuni River, allegedly by illegal jeans washing units in Ambernath.
Residents of Ambernath and Ulhas Nagar have written to the MoEFCC, Prime Minister and President of India, after facing inaction by the MPCB despite several complaints. "Citizens are forced to drink the contaminated water as a result innocent citizens are suffering from pollution related diseases, infinite number of cancer patients detected due to chemical pollution," read the letter by Ambernath Citizens Forum (ACF).
On August 31, after the city witnessed incessant rainfall, the water of Waldhuni River near the decade old Shiv Temple turned acidic green, after storm-water from the nullahs filled with hazardous chemical lashed the river. The incident occurred two days after the MPCB officials visited the site for inspection.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Pune, had passed an order for restoration of the Ulhas and Waldhuni rivers along with imposition of a penalty of Rs. 98 crores on the authorities in 2015. The Supreme Court had later upheld the NGT judgment where it was directed to deposit the penalty with the Konkan Divisional Commissioner. The penalty amount would be used to clean the rivers.
"In June, we traced the location of 48 tones of hazardous chemicals dumped by the manufacturing units in chikhloli dam, which is a source of drinking water to entire city. We immediately called the Collector of the Thane Disaster Management cell to take strict action against the units under Disaster Management Act, 2005. But no action has been initiated till date. All are busy in carrying out other formalities. We are running from pillar to post against chemical and dumping ground pollutions," ACF member Satyajit Burman said.
The Afternoon D&C; had first reported about the surfacing of foam in a tributary of the Waldhuni River, near Govind Bridge at Ambernath, indicating high pollution levels in the water body. Following the disclosure, citizens staged a protest against the local corporator Balaji Kiniker, who allegedly requested the MPCB to allow the working of the jeans units citing the loss of livelihood of workers in the factory." MPCB issued several closure notices to the defaulter, but in fact, a restart notice was issued in the name of natural justice within a few days. The chemical mafia is running a big racket along with officers of MPCB, MIDC, AAMA. We have found that 'hafta' dealings were made with the manufacturing units to avoid actions," added Satyajit Burman.
The Central Government has asked the MPCB for a report of the action taken in the matter.