Pune: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a notice to the Lonavala Municipal Council, alleging severe water pollution due to untreated sewage being discharged into local rivers.

The council’s failure to operate its sewage treatment plant (STP) has come under scrutiny, with warnings of legal action looming.

During a recent inspection, MPCB officials discovered that the council’s sewage treatment plant was non-functional. As a result, untreated sewage was being discharged into drains, eventually merging with the Indrayani and Ulhas rivers, causing extensive water pollution.

The MPCB also noted that the council has not established a dedicated electricity connection for the STP, further hindering its operations. The discharge of untreated sewage from multiple drains has exacerbated pollution in the region.

In its notice, the MPCB emphasized that treating sewage is a legal obligation under the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directives. The board has sought an explanation from the council and its officials as to why legal action should not be taken for non-compliance.

The notice mandates the submission of a detailed action plan outlining immediate and long-term measures to achieve 100% sewage treatment. The council has been given 15 days to respond, failing which, punitive action will be initiated.

“Untreated sewage from Lonavala Municipal Council is polluting the rivers. The council has been given a 15-day deadline to submit an action plan for sewage treatment. Failure to comply will result in legal action,” said a MPCB Officer while speaking to mediapersons.