STATE LOKAYUKTA TAKES SUO MOTU COGNISANCE OF POLLUTION IN KDMC AREA

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Lokayukta justice VM Kanade has taken suo motu cognisance of pollution in the Kalyan-Dombivli area.

The interim order said that there was the discharge of effluents in the Kalyan area.

Kanade heard the case on March 1 and called Ravindra Pawar, deputy chief executive officer, MIDC, Mumbai who said that there was a textiles and chemical industry there and also about the central effluent treatment plants were set up one for the treatment of effluents released from the textile units and second for chemical.

On behalf of MPCB, Babasaheb Kukade, the regional officer submitted that they have been monitoring the units of effluents from these CETPs and normally the standards have been checked.

The Lokayukta observed, “There cannot be any manner of doubt that industrialisation is essential for the economic health of the state, but at the same time.”

It further added, “It is necessary to ensure that these industrial units are not responsible for causing air and water pollution because the health of the residents in the state is equally important.”

“It is the duty of the state to ensure that there is a sustainable development and to ensure that the effluents, which are released by industries, are within normal standards”, Kanade said.

Kanade was also told that a sewerage treatment plant for the residential area is under construction and will be completed by May 2023. “I am further informed that pursuant to the directions given by the National Green Tribunal, the effluents from the CETP are now to be released at the distance of 7.5km, which is extended from 1.5 km.”

Kanade’s order further read, “At the moment, the effluents are released at a distance of 1.5 km. I am also informed that the directions given by the National Green Tribunal in a complaint filed before them are also to be followed scrupulously.