States » WestPosted at: Oct 29 2026 12:37AM


Nashik Divisional Commissioner directs time-bound measures to curb Godavari pollution

Nashik, Oct 28 (UNI) Divisional Commissioner Dr. Praveen Gedam has directed all concerned departments to implement time-bound measures to control pollution in the Godavari River and maintain an environmentally sustainable flow of water.
He also ordered a 100% inspection of industries emitting chromium within a month, following reports of chromium contamination in groundwater in parts of Nashik city.
The directives were issued during a review meeting of the Godavari River Pollution Control Committee held at the Divisional Commissioner’s office under the chairmanship of Dr. Gedam.
The meeting reviewed several issues, including environmental flow in the river, sewage treatment plants, industrial pollution, chromium levels in groundwater, aquatic weeds in the riverbed, unauthorised constructions within the flood line and environmentally friendly development works.
Dr. Gedam directed the Water Resources Department to assess water availability in Gangapur Dam and estimate future water releases in accordance with recommendations made by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) for maintaining an adequate environmental flow in the Godavari.
The department was also asked to verify whether sufficient water reserves were available to meet the recommended requirements and submit a factual report to the court.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board was instructed to regularly monitor sewage entering the Godavari River.
In view of chromium detected in borewell water in Ambad and other areas of Nashik, industries emitting chromium must be inspected completely within one month.
Authorities were also directed to identify the extent of contamination in groundwater and surface water bodies and prepare a comprehensive action plan to reduce pollution.
Health camps ordered in potentially affected areas
The Nashik Municipal Corporation has been directed to organise health camps in potentially affected areas and conduct health examinations of residents to assess possible adverse effects of contaminated water.
The inspection must cover not only chromium but also other heavy metals and pollutants beyond heavy metals.
Dr. Gedam further instructed the Municipal Corporation to upgrade existing sewage treatment plants handling wastewater entering the Godavari and its tributaries.
It must also initiate action to establish new sewage treatment facilities in view of growing requirements and submit a report on the measures taken.
For better management of industrial wastewater, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) was asked to discuss the availability of suitable open plots with its Chief Executive Officer.
A proposal must also be submitted to the Industries Department Secretary to secure the necessary funding.
The Municipal Corporation was directed to appoint a nodal officer to coordinate these efforts.
Action against banned plastic products
The Commissioner ordered punitive action against companies manufacturing and selling banned polythene bags and other prohibited materials. He also called for public awareness campaigns promoting cloth bags as alternatives to plastic and directed officials to coordinate with women's self-help groups to involve them in cloth-bag production.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation and Zilla Parishad were instructed to complete the tender process and other formalities for removing aquatic weeds from the Godavari River. The departments were asked to coordinate their efforts to keep the river clean.
Survey of illegal constructions along the flood line
The Nashik Municipal Corporation and Trimbakeshwar Municipal Council have been directed to survey unauthorised constructions within the Godavari's blue flood line and submit a report.
The Water Resources Department must coordinate with the Municipal Corporation to provide blue flood-line information in KML format.
Reviewing development works near Ramkund, Dr. Gedam said that the Ramkal Path project was progressing and that environmentally friendly materials, particularly those that help prevent river and water pollution, should be used wherever necessary in its subsequent phases.
The Public Works Department was also instructed to advise government offices to implement rainwater harvesting. The Municipal Corporation was asked to strengthen its grievance-redressal system to ensure that citizens' complaints are resolved promptly.
Dr. Gedam urged all concerned departments to work in coordination and implement the prescribed measures effectively to control pollution in the Godavari, protect water resources and safeguard public health.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Amit Ranjan, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Omkar Pawar, NEERI scientist Dr. Goyal, officials from the Water Resources Department, MIDC, Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency and other departments, along with non-governmental members Rajesh Pandit, Nishikant Pagare and Jagbir Singh, attended the meeting.
Pawar participated through video conferencing.
UNI BHG RN
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