Hinjawadi IT Park Faces Action Over Water Pollution; Rs 35 Lakh Bank Guarantee Demanded
Hinjawadi IT Park, located in Pune, is facing strict action due to concerns about water pollution. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued serious directions to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) over allegations of untreated sewage being released into nearby rivers and nullahs. This has led to growing environmental concerns, including fish deaths in the Mula River, which flows close to the IT park.
Key Points: What’s Happening at Hinjawadi IT Park?
The MPCB took action after a series of inspections and reports about violations at the common Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) of Hinjawadi IT Park. The issues at the STP were flagged by the MPCB after noticing that the plant was not operating at full capacity, and significant portions of sewage were being left untreated, causing pollution in the surrounding water bodies.
MPCB’s Inspection and Findings
On September 24, 2024, the MPCB inspected the STP and found alarming problems. The plant, which is designed to treat 4 million liters of sewage daily, was only treating 1.5 million liters. The remaining sewage was either left untreated or only partially treated, which was then released into the Mula River. This led to contamination and the unfortunate death of fish in the water.
Additionally, the MPCB found that the sewage pipeline network in the IT park was insufficient and not functioning as needed. Several parts of the STP were also not working, and the storage tanks were in poor condition, giving off unpleasant odors. The facility lacked a proper disinfection system for the treated sewage, and there was no system in place to reuse the treated water.
What Has the MPCB Directed MIDC to Do?
The MPCB has issued a series of instructions to the MIDC, which oversees the IT park. These include:
- Improving the Sewage Network: The sewage pipeline network at the IT park needs to be expanded to ensure proper collection and treatment of wastewater across the entire area.
- Fixing the Sewage Treatment Plant: The STP must operate continuously and effectively. The plant should also be upgraded with a disinfection system for treated sewage to ensure that it meets environmental standards.
- Reusing Treated Water: The treated sewage water should be recycled and reused for secondary purposes, such as irrigation or industrial uses, as per the MPCB’s consent conditions.
- Repairing Leaking Sewage Pipelines: The MPCB has pointed out that several sewage pipelines are damaged and leaking, which is contributing to the pollution problem. These need to be repaired immediately to prevent untreated waste from being released.
Bank Guarantee of Rs 35 Lakh Demanded
As part of the corrective measures, the MPCB has demanded that MIDC submit a bank guarantee of Rs 35 lakh. This guarantee will ensure that MIDC complies with the directives issued by the MPCB. If the MIDC fails to comply within the given timeframe, further legal action may be taken against them under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Why This Matters: Environmental Impact of Pollution
The untreated discharge of sewage into rivers and nullahs is a serious environmental concern. Not only does it affect the aquatic life in rivers like the Mula River, but it also poses health risks to nearby communities. The pollution can contaminate drinking water, leading to diseases and affecting the local ecosystem. Taking action against such pollution is crucial to ensure the safety and sustainability of both the environment and the people living around Hinjawadi IT Park.
What’s Next for Hinjawadi IT Park?
With the MPCB’s deadline approaching, all eyes are now on the MIDC to see whether they will take the necessary actions to correct these violations. If MIDC does not comply, the MPCB has stated that it will take further legal actions to ensure that the environmental norms are followed.
Hinjawadi IT Park has now found itself at the center of a water pollution controversy. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has taken necessary steps to ensure that the environmental damage is rectified. By demanding a bank guarantee and laying down strict directions for sewage treatment, the board hopes to protect the environment and hold the responsible parties accountable. It’s crucial that MIDC takes swift action to address these issues to prevent further pollution and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.
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Hi, I’m Rohit Patil. I write about everything related to Hinjewadi – from local news and events to interesting spots and businesses. My goal is to share helpful and easy-to-read content for everyone who wants to know more about this vibrant area. Stay tuned for more!
