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Earlier this week, IIT-Bombay's Environmental Status Report for the 2024-25 period prepared for the Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) highlighted the lack of water quality monitoring in the Taloja and Kasardi rivers by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), citing their non-drinking usage. The report advised PCMC against approving housing developments near the dumping ground and Taloja MIDC. It also called for sustainable waste-to-energy solutions, better sewage disposal, and rigorous action to monitor and control industrial discharge into local water bodies.
IIT-Bombay, in its Environmental Status Report 2024-25 submitted to PCMC, observed that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board is not presently conducting water quality checks for the Taloja and Kasardi rivers since the water from these rivers is not used for drinking purposes. The report advised the civic body to avoid sanctioning residential construction projects near the dumping ground and in the vicinity of the Taloja MIDC industrial area. Advertisement
The document recommended that PCMC explore waste-to-energy alternatives such as bio-methanation units, biomass gasifiers, and pyrolysis technologies. It raised concerns regarding improper sewage disposal and the need for improvement in wastewater management systems.
The report further suggested that PCMC should direct MPCB to carry out periodic assessments of water quality and initiate prompt corrective measures wherever contamination is detected. It emphasised the necessity of strict regulations against direct industrial effluent discharge into rivers, lakes, and other surface water bodies. Installation and consistent maintenance of water-cleaning equipment across these water sources were also strongly recommended.
IIT-Bombay's report revealed that PCMC currently generates around 471 metric tonnes of waste daily, of which 56 percent is wet, 40 percent is dry, 3 percent is sanitary, and 1 percent is hazardous. This waste is handled by CIDCO and Mumbai Waste Management facilities located within the Taloja MIDC area. Due to resultant air and water pollution in the region, the report advised that no housing approvals be granted nearby.
It was further suggested that all untreated sewage be routed through nallahs and decentralised treatment systems before discharge. The selection of effective technologies for improving water quality was recommended, along with regular evaluation of the performance, upkeep, and hygiene of common effluent treatment plants.
By discouraging residential projects in high-pollution zones, IIT-Bombay aimed to safeguard long-term public health. It also urged PCMC to embrace modern waste-to-energy practices, fortify sewage infrastructure, and impose stronger regulatory oversight on polluting industries. The overall recommendations signalled the need for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious urban development policy in the region.
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