Most polluted zones: MPCB sends action plan to Centre

On January 13,the CPCB released a Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) based on the levels of pollutants in the air,water and land of 88 industrial regions. Areas with CEPI score of 70 and above were tagged as ‘critically polluted’ and formulation of appropriate remedial action plan was suggested.

Explaining its action plan,MPCB Member Secretary Mahesh Pathak said,“In Dombivili,we have studied the problem and calculated that just by taking basic steps in effluent disposal and air cleansing,the pollution index can be brought down from a ‘critical’ 78.41 CEPI index to 65.92. Checking land pollution will further bring it down to 53.11. All this impact can be attained within a year of implementing the action plan.” Corrective measures in Dombivili include upgrading and linking the common effluent treatment plants (CETP) of the chemical and textile sector,laying closed disposal pipelines,monitoring emissions and introducing cleaner fuels like CNG and LPG gas. Similar measures have been suggested in Navi Mumbai too,in addition to environmentally sound construction practices and monitoring of sewage plants as well as medical solid waste treatment near residential areas.

In case of Chandrapur and Tarapur,already existing action plans have been updated,with stringent monitoring of their cement,steel and power plants,coal mines and paper mills. “In Chandrapur,most air,water and land pollution arises from the handling,transporting and washing of coal. Measures like construction of ring roads for transport,checking ground water are essential to keep pollution under control. Local administration needs to be empowered too,” Pathak said.

The MPCB’s action plan summarises seven major sectors for improvement in the state’s five industrial clusters,including a solvent audit to reduce pollution in water and air,upgradation of drainage and disposal network,environmental improvements in industrial areas like security,traffic control,acquiring competent enforcement tools and public information displays,and regular regional environmental assessments. “Even as we await the CPCB’s guidelines,we are planning to start work on our own action plan immediately as they could go a long way in pollution control,” Pathak stated.