PUNE: Collector Naval Kishore Ram has assured that the there has been good progress in the cleanliness work of Indrayani river as many sewage water treatment projects are in progress, which will help to clean the river. It will take about a year to complete the work. He said this while addressing media persons on Saturday.
The collector further added that Indrayani river which originates near Lonavla is about 105 km in length, receives about 58 per cent untreated water.
“We are aware that Indrayani river is heavily polluted because of lack of sewage collection and treatment. Hence, funds of about Rs 45 crore will be spent on treatment of discharge in the river and garbage management. Lonavla generates about 16 million litres per day (MLD) of waste of which 6MLD flows in Indrayani. The Lonavla Municipal Council (LMC) has began construction of 6 MLD capacity STP. Similarly, about 14 MLD of untreated discharge is generated by Talegaon. In Alandi, about 4 MLD of sewage water is generated. We have asked the PCMC to look into the issue. As we know, there is a large population in Alandi and hence, funds of Rs 36 crore has been approved for the treatment of sewage and garbage for 23 villages in Alandi,” added Ram.
He said that they are also working on plans to improve the condition of Bhima river.
MPCB STUDY ON INDRAYANI RIVER POLLUTION
As per a recent study by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Indrayani river is polluted from Dehu onwards due to various reasons. “First, there is a sewage treatment plant in this stretch and raw sewage enters the river. Secondly, during bi-annual pilgrimage, lakhs of devotees assemble in Alandi where adequate sanitation facilities are not provided resulting in water pollution. The third factor is of garbage in the form of flowers, garlands, plastic etc., which is thrown into the river,” stated the study by MPCB.
