Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) | 04 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

While the fishing community continues to voice concerns about the contamination of water bodies caused by heavy industrial pollution, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board maintains in its report that pollution levels remain within the prescribed limits. 

 Key Points 

• Expert Opinion: 
  • The Water Pollution Expert noted drastic differences between MPCB and independent lab results. 
    • It was pointed out that even 236 mg/l Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) (in MPCB report) is too high for a natural water body, indicating severe pollution. 
    • The independent Lab findings also show extremely high COD, hinting at direct effluent discharge from industries. 
• Impact on Local Fishing Community: 
  • Environmental degradation: 
    • The water turned black and lifeless, as it suggests a high concentration of organic matter requiring significant oxygen for decomposition, potentially leading to oxygen depletion and harm to aquatic life. 
  • Community response: 
    • The Fish Workers Union raised multiple complaints to various government departments (fisheries, environment, Konkan & Raigad administration) without resolution. 
    • Diwale village once had more than 10,000 fishermen, now many have shifted to non-fishing jobs (security guards, domestic help) or sell purchased fish. 
    • Fishing zones like Kharghar, Mansarowar, Diwale creek, historically rich, are now degraded. 
  • Observes untreated effluents discharged directly into Diwale creek, with pipeline proposed to extend to Belapur. 
    • This could destroy Thane and Nhava Sheva creeks, affecting the Arabian Sea. 
• Industrial Activity in the Region: 
  • Approximately 3,254 industrial units operate in the region which include chemicals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, petrochemicals, textile processing, engineering units, etc.