The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has announced plans to disconnect water supplies to 184 housing societies that have failed to operationalise their Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
This action underscores the civic body’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring sustainable water management practices.The PCMC’s initiative follows a comprehensive survey revealing that out of 456 major housing societies in the region, only 264 have functional STPs. The remaining 184 societies have either not activated their STPs or have cited financial constraints for non-compliance. Alarmingly, some societies have even denied access to PCMC inspection teams, further complicating enforcement efforts.
Under the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), housing societies with over 100 flats or consuming more than 20,000 litres of water per day are mandated to operate STPs. These regulations aim to promote water recycling and reduce the burden on municipal sewage systems.
PCMC officials have issued multiple notices to the non-compliant societies, urging them to activate their STPs. Despite these efforts, many societies have remained inactive, prompting the civic body to consider stringent measures, including the disconnection of water supplies. This move aligns with the PCMC’s broader strategy to enhance environmental compliance and address the growing concerns of water scarcity in the region.The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has also expressed concerns over the untreated sewage being discharged into local rivers and nullahs, exacerbating pollution levels. In response, the MPCB has directed PCMC to submit a time-bound action plan for upgrading existing STPs to meet environmental standards.
This directive highlights the urgency of addressing the deficiencies in sewage treatment infrastructure and the need for collaborative efforts between municipal and state agencies.Residents of the affected societies have voiced their concerns, with some alleging that developers installed substandard STPs and that the PCMC issued completion certificates without ensuring compliance. These grievances point to systemic issues in the planning and execution of housing projects, raising questions about accountability and oversight.
As the PCMC moves forward with its enforcement actions, the situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of sustainable urban planning and the role of housing societies in contributing to environmental conservation.
The outcome of this initiative will likely set a precedent for other municipalities grappling with similar challenges.In conclusion, the PCMC’s decision to disconnect water supplies to non-compliant housing societies reflects a growing recognition of the need for stringent environmental regulations and the active participation of all stakeholders in achieving sustainable urban development.
Note: This report is based on information available as of the latest updates and aims to provide an objective overview of the ongoing developments.
