Divisional commissioner of Nashik, Praveen Gedam, chairing the meeting of high-powered committee on Godavari pollution
Divisional commissioner Praveen Gedam, who chairs the Bombay high court-appointed high-powered committee on Godavari pollution, on Wednesday directed officials to complete a 100% inspection of such industries and identify the source and spread of contamination. He also directed Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) to organise health camps in affected areas to assess whether residents have suffered adverse health effects due to contaminated water. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nashik | Silver Rate in Nashik | Bank Holidays in Nashik | Public Holidays in Nashik | Petrol Price in Nashik | Diesel Price in Nashik | CNG Price in Nashik | LPG Price in Nashik Stay updated with the latest Nashik news.
Nashik : Authorities will inspect all chromium-emitting industries in Nashik within a month after chromium contamination was detected in groundwater in Dattanagar, Ambad MIDC and other parts of the city. The directions came during a review meeting on Godavari pollution. Taking note of chromium found in borewell water, Gedam ordered authorities to map the geographical extent of contamination in groundwater and surface water and prepare an action plan to curb it. Officials have been asked to test water samples for other heavy metals and pollutants as well. As part of the wider pollution-control exercise, Gedam directed Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to regularly monitor sewage entering Godavari. He asked NMC to upgrade existing sewage treatment plants and submit a plan for new facilities to prevent untreated wastewater from reaching the river and its tributaries. Gedam also directed officials to step up action against manufacturers and sellers of banned polythene bags and other prohibited materials. He called for wider adoption of eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags and suggested involving women’s self-help groups in their production and distribution. The committee also reviewed industrial effluent management. Gedam directed MIDC to identify land needed for wastewater treatment infrastructure and submit a funding proposal to state govt. On river conservation, NMC and the zilla parishad were asked to expedite removal of water hyacinth, while NMC and Trimbakeshwar Municipal Council were directed to survey unauthorised structures within Godavari’s blue flood line and submit reports. Stressing urgency, Gedam directed all departments to work in coordination and implement the measures in a time-bound manner to curb pollution, protect Godavari and safeguard public health. Download the TOI App.