A Comptroller and Auditor General report tabled in the state legislature on Tuesday has made adverse observations against the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for its failure to check water pollution. The report has concluded that though the number of polluted river stretches in the state have increased from 23 to 28 in the last eight years, the MPCB has not taken any action to prevent further deterioration.
According to the report, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the MPCB had taken up monitoring of the quality of water in rivers and lakes in 2000. On the basis of the results of analysis of data collected between 2000 and 2006, 23 stretches — 20 rivers and three lakes — were identified by the CPCB; the water quality at these stretches didn’t fulfil the criterion of biological oxygen demand (BOD).
“In October 2010, the CPCB identified that the stretches not fulfilling the BOD criterion had increased from 23 to 28. It directed the MPCB to take stock of all urban centres and industrial units discharging in the polluted stretches, as it affects public health and quality of marine life. The MPCB was further instructed to take immediate steps to prevent and control water pollution in these stretches. However, it was noticed that the MPCB had not prepared any action plan for prevention or control of pollution as directed by the CPCB,” the CAG has observed. The report has also quoted a letter sent by the CPCB to MPCB on October 4, 2010.
“Non-preparation of an action plan by the MPCB resulted in the deterioration of water quality of rivers,” the report further stated.
The CAG has recommended that the MPCB chalk out a time-bound action plan to implement the CPCB directives. It pointed out that increase in water-borne diseases in the state during 2006-11 substantiated the diminishing standards in potable water.
The report also observed that the MPCB did not adhere to its own norms prescribed for collection of samples from industries to monitor pollution levels.
“The MPCB had issued proposed directions (specifying the nature of action to be taken) to defaulting industries. (But) no legal action was taken as required under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,” the CAG observed.