NGT notices Pune authorities over Bhima River pollution

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took action on March 20 regarding pollution in the Bhima River in Pune. The tribunal issued a notice to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the Rajgurunagar Municipal Council. They are required to report on the untreated sewage being dumped into the river. The complaint was made by Vishwajit Dixit, a local farmer, on March 7. He reported that untreated sewage from a nearby residential project flows into the river. According to Dixit, around 10 lakh liters of untreated sewage from 2,000 households is discharged daily into the Bhima River. Pollution in this river has been a major concern for Pune residents. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has repeatedly called for more sewage treatment plants in the area. The NGT mentioned that evidence, including documents and photographs, shows the untreated sewage is harming the local environment. The tribunal is allowing both local bodies four weeks to respond. After that, a rejoinder application can be filed within a week. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for April 29.