MPCB Issues Strict Deadline to Pune Municipal Corporation for Sewage Treatment
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has taken a firm stance against environmental negligence in Pune, issuing a directive to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). In a notice dated March 27, the pollution regulator has mandated that PMC must ensure full sewage treatment capacity within six months and achieve 100% sewer network coverage within four months. This move comes in response to significant lapses in sewage management that have been contributing to severe river pollution in the city.
Alarming Sewage Discharge into Rivers
During a recent review, MPCB observed that Pune generates approximately 980 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage. Shockingly, nearly 500 MLD of this untreated sewage is being discharged directly into the Mula and Mutha rivers through multiple nullahs. Babasaheb Kukade, the Pune regional officer for MPCB, highlighted that this untreated sewage flows through 10 major nullahs, resulting in continuous and detrimental pollution of the rivers.
Comprehensive Action Plan Required
The pollution control body has demanded that PMC intercept these major drains immediately to halt the direct discharge into rivers. Additionally, PMC must submit a detailed, time-bound action plan outlining steps to address these issues. The directive also includes instructions to bring air pollution under control, with PMC required to prepare a project evaluation review technique. This document should clearly indicate timelines for completing ongoing work and outline both short-term and long-term remedial actions for the major nullahs.
Enhancements in Solid Waste Management
Beyond sewage treatment, MPCB has directed PMC to take significant steps to improve solid waste management infrastructure. This includes increasing the number of collection vehicles, enhancing manpower, and establishing efficient door-to-door collection systems. These measures aim to bolster the city's overall waste management capabilities and reduce environmental degradation.
Current and Planned Sewage Treatment Capacities
PMC currently operates 10 sewage treatment plants with a total capacity of 537 MLD. Key facilities include the Bhairoba STP with a capacity of 130 MLD and the New Naidu STP with 115 MLD. According to PMC's environment status report for 2024-25, there are plans to set up 11 new STPs with a combined capacity of 396 MLD. Furthermore, PMC aims to establish additional STPs for 11 new villages, providing 106 MLD of capacity, and one in Ramtekdi with 10 MLD.
This comprehensive directive from MPCB underscores the urgent need for Pune to address its sewage and pollution challenges, with strict deadlines set to ensure prompt and effective action.
