Contaminated yellowish water from the borewell
Nashik : Groundwater samples collected from Dattanagar near Ambad MIDC have revealed chromium levels nearly 900 times above the permissible limit for drinking water, prompting a major crackdown on industrial units and raising concerns over public health in the area. A report submitted by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) found total chromium concentrations of 45 ppm (45 mg per litre) in two groundwater samples from borewells and dug wells. The permissible limit is 0.05 ppm. “The presence of chromium at 45 ppm is extremely high and poses a serious risk to human health. MPCB has so far issued closure notices to 17 electroplating units and ordered the disconnection of their power and water supply. Around 89 units are engaged in processes such as electroplating, galvanising, phosphating and powder coating, all of which generate industrial effluents that require strict treatment and disposal.
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Such contamination can lead to skin ailments and other health complications,” a senior MPCB official said. Borewells located upstream and downstream of this affected pocket have largely yielded clear water,” an MPCB official said. officials said no additional violations warranting immediate closure action were detected during Tuesday’s drive While several other units were inspected. Officials said remedial measures and enforcement action are being taken within their respective jurisdictions.
The contamination came to light after residents complained of yellowish water from borewells in the locality. Investigations pointed to concerns that untreated industrial effluents were being discharged into soak pits in the industrial estate. Proposed directions have also been issued to five more units, while action against other establishments is being pursued based on inspection findings and provisions of environmental laws. “We have started surveying borewells in Dattanagar and surrounding areas. Contaminated yellowish water has so far been found within a pocket of about half a kilometre in Dattanagar. Inspections found that two electroplating units using chromium in their manufacturing processes were not complying with norms governing the handling, discharge and disposal of hazardous waste. The discovery has triggered a wider regulatory audit in the Ambad industrial estate, with multiple agencies launching inspections and reviewing pollution-control mechanisms. Ambad MIDC houses engineering, rubber, plastic, pharmaceutical and IT industries. Download the TOI App.