MPCB Issues Notice to Nashik Municipal Corporation

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a show-cause notice to the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) over pollution in the Godavari River.

The notice seeks an explanation as to why the civic body's bank guarantee should not be forfeited and why the competent authority should not be directed to disconnect its electricity and water supply. The NMC has been directed to submit a written response within 15 days.

The notice was issued after MPCB officials collected water samples from the Godavari River, which showed pollution levels exceeding prescribed limits. The NMC has been instructed to submit a current status report along with an analysis of the findings.

Ravindra Dharankar, Superintending Engineer of the NMC's Sewage Department, said the civic body had received the notice and would submit a detailed response after gathering the necessary information. Nishikant Pagare, the petitioner, called for effective implementation of sewage treatment systems and strict control over wastewater discharge to tackle pollution in the Godavari River.

The proposed action includes forfeiture of the NMC's bank guarantee and directions to the competent authority to disconnect its water and electricity supply. The notice calls for compliance with the standards prescribed under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the rules framed under it.