State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 04 Apr 2025

Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB)

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. 

 The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) 

• It is a state-level body responsible for implementing environmental legislation in Maharashtra, focusing on preventing and controlling pollution, particularly under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Death Anniversary 2025

Why in News? 

On 3rd April 2025, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s death anniversary is observed, to honour the legacy of the iconic 17th-century Maratha warrior king and founder of the Maratha Empire. 

 

Key Points 

• Observance of His Death Anniversary: 
  • Maharashtra and other regions honour his legacy through cultural events, processions, and tributes. 
  • The day is marked by processions, speeches, and public gatherings to pay homage. 
• Significance of the Day: 
  • Serves as a reminder of Shivaji Maharaj’s enduring influence on Indian culture and governance. 
  • Encourages reflection on his vision for self-rule and good governance. 
• Birth: 
  • He was born on 19th February, 1630 at Shivneri Fort in District Pune in the present-day state of Maharashtra. 
  • He was born to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who held the jagirs of Pune and Supe under the Bijapur Sultanate and Jijabai, a pious woman whose religious qualities had a profound influence on him. 
• Early Life: 
  • He displayed his military zeal for the first time in 1645 when as a teenager, he successfully got control of the Torna Fort which was under Bijapur. 
  • He also acquired the Kondana Fort. Both these forts were under Adil Shah of Bijapur. 
• Major Battles: Battle of Pratapgad, Battle of Pavan Khind, Sacking of Surat, Battle of Purandar, Battle of Sinhagad, and Battle of Sangamner.  
  • The Wagh nakh, was used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan in the 1659 Battle of Pratapgad.  
• Titles: Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas, and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak.  
• Administration: Centralized administration with the Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers), abolished the Jagirdari System, implemented the Ryotwari System, and built a strong naval force for coastal defense.  
  • Shivaji is renowned for his innovative guerrilla warfare tactics, which influenced subsequent rulers and shaped the Maratha Military Landscapes. 
• Death: 
  • He died on 3rd April 1680.