Environmentalists in Nashik have submitted a memorandum to the divisional officers of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) demanding immediate and stringent steps for the revival of the Godavari River. The memorandum, based on the High Court order (PIL 176/2012) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) report, has expressed concern over the increasing pollution of the Godavari River.
Environmentalists have demanded that the MPCB should take action against the industries violating the norms under Section 49 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Besides, it has been strongly demanded that the concerned authorities should take strict measures and concrete decisions to prevent water pollution.
Jagbir Singh from Manav Utthan Manch said, “Godavari is a lifeline not only for Nashik but for the entire Maharashtra. Therefore, all citizens need to come together and put pressure on the administration for its cleanliness.”
Nature lovers have echoed that no immediate action is taken on these demands. Nashik’s environmentalists are preparing to launch a more intense agitation in future. The pollution of the river is seriously affecting the health of Nashik residents, and ignoring this will lead to a big crisis in the future, they claim. Environmentalists are demanding that the administration take note of this as soon as possible.
Key demands
1. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) should be brought under control:
The COD level in Nandini (a tributary of Godavari River) is 400% higher than the permissible limit, which is alarming and disturbing the balance of aquatic life and the environment. As a solution, a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) should be started immediately. The High Court had given this order 10 years ago, but no action has been taken yet.
2. Strict implementation of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) norms:
Chemical industries in Ambad and Satpur should be inspected to check whether ZLD norms are being followed or not. Strict action should be taken against the companies violating the norms and suggestions should be given for improvement by April 15.
3. Regular water quality inspection should be carried out:
Water quality should be tested every 15 days in the presence of citizens. The quality of groundwater in the industrial areas of Satpur and Ambad should be checked regularly.
