MPCB orders nine Ambad factories shut after contaminated water causes skin problems

Nashik: Borewells and hand pumps in Dattanagar, Maruti Sankul and the Tuljabhavani area next to the Ambad industrial estate began giving yellowish, foul-smelling chemical water, and residents developed skin disorders, itching and rashes. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has now ordered nine factories in Ambad to shut for failing to treat industrial effluent properly.

Four companies had received closure notices earlier and five more were served on Saturday, October 10, MPCB regional officer Vidyasagar Killedar said. Most of the units are electroplating businesses. Four have had production stopped and their power and water supply cut, sub-regional officer Pranav Pakhale said. They cannot restart until they meet effluent treatment norms.

Environmentalists had complained that some companies discharge chemical water into the ground untreated and that it reaches the Nandini river. Guardian minister Girish Mahajan had inspected the affected area and ordered action, and MIDC chief executive Dipendra Kushwah reviewed the issue with the collector and the municipal commissioner.

Hand pumps and borewells in the area have been sealed to stop people using the contaminated water. The municipal corporation will give properly sized water connections in the affected area, and tanks of 2,000 to 5,000 litres are being placed in housing societies and filled by tanker. Health check-up camps have also been started for residents.

Sources: Loksatta; Maharashtra Times