Take Strict Action Against Sewage Discharge into Rivers : Mayor Ravi Landge
Pimpri : Mayor Ravi Landge on Tuesday directed civic officials to take immediate and strict action against housing societies and institutions discharging untreated sewage into rivers through drains.
The directive came after the mayor conducted an on-site inspection in Kiwale, where sewage from nearby residential complexes and institutions, including Symbiosis College, was found flowing directly into the Pawana River.
Calling it a “serious environmental offence,” Landge said there would be zero tolerance for violations and instructed officials to act without delay.
Among key measures, the civic body has been asked to conduct a survey of all housing societies in the area within seven days and identify those releasing untreated sewage. Societies with non-functional sewage treatment plants (STPs) have been directed to make them operational immediately, failing which penal action will be initiated.
Officials have also been instructed to disconnect illegal drainage links, impose fines, and initiate legal proceedings against violators. The mayor further mandated reuse of treated water for non-potable purposes such as gardening and flushing.
Landge also stressed fixing accountability of civic engineers and officials, warning of administrative action in cases of negligence. A weekly monitoring mechanism with progress reports has been made mandatory.
The mayor said the drive will be expanded across the city and will cover rivers including Indrayani River, Mula River and Pawana.
He added that long-term measures such as interception and diversion of drains towards STPs will be implemented to prevent sewage from entering rivers. Calling for public participation, he urged citizens to report violations and support the civic body’s efforts to make city rivers pollution-free.
