Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur and his counterpart from Uran, Mahesh Baldi raised concerns over increasing river pollution in Thane and Raigad districts during the ongoing budget session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. They highlighted the issue of hazardous chemical waste being discharged into rivers by industrial units in MIDC areas.
Taloja MIDC industries reportedly release toxic effluents into Kasadi River, while several companies in Ambernath, Badlapur, Titwala, Ulhasnagar, and Dombivli are polluting the Waldhuni and Ulhas rivers. These pollutants are causing severe damage to local agriculture, aquatic life, and public health. Additionally, chemical waste from JSW in Dolvi (Pen) and PNP in Shahbaz (Alibaug) has threatened the fishing industry in Dharamtar Creek.
The legislators questioned the government on measures taken to curb pollution and penalize responsible companies and officials. Responding to their query, Environment Minister Pankaja Munde acknowledged the issue but stated that regulatory bodies like the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) conduct regular inspections and issue notices when violations are found. She further mentioned that large and medium-scale industries in these areas have set up treatment plants, and treated wastewater is released at designated locations under the supervision of the National Institute of Oceanography.
Regarding Dharamtar Creek, Munde informed that a 10-member committee was formed in 2019 to study the impact of industrial pollution on the fishing industry. The committee has held 10 meetings and continues to investigate the issue. MPCB also takes necessary action on pollution-related complaints as per regulations.
Despite government assurances, concerns remain over the effectiveness of these measures in preventing further environmental damage.
