'Reducing air and river pollution are my top priorities'

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) functions under the administrative control of the state government’s department of environment. The regional officer of MPCB, Nashik region, J B Sangewar tells TOI’s Tushar Pawar about the major initiatives being taken to control the air and water pollution levels in the city.

Excerpts

How does the MPCB function?

The Nashik regional office of MPCB has jurisdiction over Nashik, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Jalgaon and Nandurbar districts. We mostly monitor air and water pollution. The water samples from the river are collected every week. We also inspect industries randomly every week.

How do you measure air quality of the city?

We have five air quality monitoring stations across the city to check the levels of pollution on a daily basis. We have also proposed two air quality monitoring stations for the city and another one for Malegaon. The locations have been identified and funds have already been approved. The three new air quality monitoring stations are expected to be operational in the next six months.

What steps are being taken to reduce the levels of air pollution in the city?

A study conducted by the Centre found that Nashik was among the 100 most polluted cities in the country. The action plan of the city has already been approved by Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), which is the implementing agency. Our major focus is to promote public transport system. We are also promoting the use of electric vehicles in the city. NMC will soon be introducing electric vehicles under the city bus service project.

River pollution is another issue that calls for attention. What steps being taken?

The Bombay high court has already given a judgement in this regard. A committee headed by the divisional commissioner is monitoring whether different stakeholders are complying with the norms. Instructions have been given to the civic body to upgrade the nine old sewage treatment plants (STPs). This will reduce the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of treated water and thereby help in controlling river pollution.

What is the state of air and water pollution in the industrial estates?

Both Satpur and Ambad industrial estates of MIDC fall in NMC’s jurisdiction. There are around 140 plating and powder coating units, which don’t have their own effluent treatment plant (ETP). A common ETP has been proposed, but the operation is getting delayed. Hence, steps are being taken to ensure all the units treat the effluents either through their own ETPs or CETP. Moreover, there are around 60 industries which have their own chimneys for letting out gases. We are creating awareness among those industries to ensure that they use clean fuel to reduce air pollution.

What action has been taken against the plastic manufacturing units in the industrial areas?

We have already directed the civic body and other authorities to curb the use of banned plastic. We have closed six plastic bag manufacturing units in the last few months. Apart from this, there are many plastic recycling units in Malegaon tehsil town. They are operating unofficially and unscientifically. Some units have been closed down there.

What are you currently focussing on?

Reducing air and water pollution levels in the city are my top priorities. I am also focussing on ensuring that plastic ban is implemented in the city in letter and spirit.