Pune: NGT Directs MPCB To Estimate Damages For Indrayani River Pollution
Pune: NGT Directs MPCB To Assess Fine Against Dehu Nagar Panchayat Over Indrayani River Pollution
The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) western bench has ordered the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to estimate the environmental damage compensation (EDC) to be levied on the Dehunagar Panchayat for polluting the Indrayani River.
The directive comes after a ‘fish kill’ incident on March 13, where hundreds of fish were found dead on the riverbanks in the Dehu area. The MPCB investigated the incident and found that untreated water was entering the river, with samples indicating sewage contamination.
Despite the Dehunagar Panchayat’s assurance to install sewage treatment plants (STPs) to curb pollution, the NGT expressed dissatisfaction with the MPCB’s response. The tribunal has directed the MPCB to file a fresh affidavit, including the estimated EDC and the period for which it will be levied.
The MPCB has been given four weeks to submit its response, with the next hearing scheduled for January 27. The NGT has also asked the MPCB to consider prosecuting the Dehunagar Panchayat for failing to prevent pollution in the Indrayani River.
