Pune: The state climate action cell has instructed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation ( MIDC ) to prepare a comprehensive plan detailing the sources and causes of industrial pollution in the Indrayani river . The cell, on June 28, joined forces with city-based NGO Jeevitnadi, Pune-based experts, over 60 NGOs, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and MIDC to initiate a pilot project on Pawana-Indrayani river pollution abatement . "MIDC has agreed to conduct a survey and create a comprehensive plan for industrial pollution.
MPCB will be involved in its implementation," said Abhijit Ghorpade, director of the state climate action cell. The project has been based on a four-point objective plan created by the Ram-Mula Rejuvenation and Management Committee as part of their detailed project report. It focuses on the river stretch from the source to the confluence of the said rivers.
The project will also focus on conserving the habitat of Mahseer — a revered and culturally significant fish — in the 16km stretch starting in Dehu. "We will ensure the conservation of these regions. Effluent plants will be set up near industrial areas, and electroplating plants will be established.
We will plant bamboo near the riverbed to prevent soil erosion," Ghorpade said. The implementation of the project, however, will happen only after the assembly elections. "We will focus on streams carrying pollution, come up with ways to utilise bioremediation methods without mak.
