‘Textile industry dye turns Ulhas river water turquoise’
Despite the Supreme Court (SC) being apprised of high pollution levels in Ulhas and Waldhuni rivers, untreated effluents continue to be discharged by industries in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
An inspection report submitted in SC by environment group Vanashakti on Friday showed pollutant discharge by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) at Sonarpada, Dombivli, had turned the Ulhas river water turquoise with foam.
MIDC officials said they identified a textile industry in the belt using finishing dyes that had released its effluents in the river.
“Effluents are being discharged by industries at unauthorised locations entering stormwater drains and polluting a 1.5-km stretch of Ulhas. The violations are going unnoticed as there is the preferential treatment meted out to Dombivli MIDC textile and chemical industries,” said Stalin D, director, Vanashakti.
Following this, a complaint was filed with the state environment department and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on Saturday. A stream passing through Dombivli was carrying effluents to the main channel, the complaint said.
MPCB said they initiated an investigation into the source of pollution. “On taking cognisance of the SC petitioner’s complaint, a team has been directed to undertake a site visit on Monday and submit a report on alleged violations. Necessary action will be take,” said SL Waghmare, regional officer (Kalyan), MPCB.