Mumbai: Concerned about increasing river
pollution across Maharashtra, the State Government is expected
to take stringent action against industries.
"Unfortunately, all rivers in the state are polluted. A
report based on pollution in rivers in western Maharashtra
would be soon submitted to the Speaker of the State
Legislature and action to be taken against industries can be
decided then," said Minister for Water Supply and Sanitation,
Lakshman Dhoble today.
Rivers flowing in 300 villages, 14 Municipal Councils and
three Municipal Corporations have been covered in the report,
after repeated complaints of water pollution from Pimpari-
Chichwad Municipal Corporation near Pune, Dhoble said.
The issue was raised during the last Assembly session and
the Speaker had asked to make a detail report on it. The
Collector concerned has prepared the report, the minister
said.
Meanwhile, the Government is planning to have a
cleanliness drive during Vari, an annual pilgrimage to the
Lord Vithoba temple at Pandharpur.
"We want the people to be aware about the clean
environment during vari which goes on for about 15 days,"
Dhoble said.
The drive would have cultural groups and scenes to make
the people understand about the clean environment. The
minister himself would participate in the vari to encourage
the efforts.
PTI
