The MPCB has directed MIDC to take necessary measures to setup STP, and that it will be held responsible for any lapses.
The residents of MIDC Dombivli area may finally get a sewerage treatment plant (STP) after three years of follow up with the authorities. The MPCB has asked MIDC to set up the plant, so that untreated sewerage is not daily released in Thakurli creek.
There are over 500 housing societies, 300 bungalows, numerous schools, colleges and restaurants in Dombivli MIDC area. As per an RTI, every day, over 456 MLD of sewerage generated in the residential zones is released untreated by MIDC into Thakurli creek since last 30 years. "This sewerage water has become a problem for residents, as the area has lots of mosquitoes and cockroaches leading to malaria, dengue among other diseases," says Raju Nalawade of Dombivli Welfare Association.
Unlike CETP (Chemical Effluent Treatment Plants) for industrial areas, there are no STPs for residential zone in MIDC. "This is weird as MIDC collects sewerage tax from us to the amount of Rs 4.37 Cr every year. And when we asked what they have done with that amount, they say it is for maintenance of the drainage system. Do we really need that much amount just for maintenance," questioned Nalawade.
Nalawade has been following up this issue with MIDC to set up STP for past three years. They told him in an RTI that there is an STP proposal sent by them to MPCB (Maharashtra Pollution Control Board) for approval, which was pending.
"However, on September 20, in a written reply, MPCB said that they had never received any such proposal from MIDC. This is a blatant lie and shifting of responsibility on the part of MIDC," added Nalawade..
The MPCB has directed MIDC to take necessary measures to setup STP, and that it will be held responsible for any lapses.
When dna contacted SR Patil, deputy engineer, MIDC, he said that they have just released tenders to appoint a consultant for the STP in Dombivli. "After we appoint the consultant for the same, it will take another 1.5 years to set up the STP," says Patil.
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