1 week Ago By Prasad Kulkarni
Pune: The irrigation department issued notices to 23 illegal properties in the vicinity of Khadakwasla dam as it plans to intensify action against such structures with PMC. "Some of the properties violated the norms. Notices have been given to their owners for taking corrective measures," said Girija Kalyankar, a senior official of the irrigation department.
You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the irrigation department are surveying illegal constructions near the dam. Their officials are inspecting if commercial and residential properties are causing any pollution or discharging sewage into the dam. Sandip Khalate, head of PMC's anti-encroachment department, said, "The administration had razed food stalls and other eateries near the dam.
But they have come up again. Even other properties responsible for causing water pollution are on our radar for future action." The joint survey also aims to check if any property owner encroached upon govt lands.
PMC officials said they would carry out demolition drives against those violating the norms. A tour of state irrigation minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil on Thursday to review the issues was cancelled because of unforeseen reasons, said irrigation officials. Residents sought stringent action against those polluting the dam water.
Citing the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak, they said more such health hazards could occur in areas near the dam if corrective measures were not taken in time. "The illegal properties should be targeted. There is a high possibility of those causing water pollution.
The administration claims that they have made efforts to reduce the pollution of the dam water. But those have not proven effective. Many houses in our area continue to face the contaminated water problem," said Ketki Paranjape of Sinhagad Road.
Umesh Patil of Kirikitwadi said many residents of tha area were worried about the quality of water after the recent outbreak of GBS. "We get water from the local resources. There should be a guarantee that the water is of good quality.
If an outbreak like GBS happens again, it can prove life-threatening. So, the sources polluting the water must be dealt with strictly," he said. According to PMC officials, a majority of areas in Khadakwasla village came under the civic limits after they were merged with PMC.
"Conducting action becomes tough in these areas because of jurisdictional complications. Many property owners and business operators create legal issues when we take action," said a senior official of PMC. The residents claimed that illegal resorts and farmhouses were causing other issues, like nuisance during big parties.
These can also cause law and order issues. According to the authorities, instructions were given to resorts and other bulk waste generators, as well as properties generating high quantities of sewage, to set up sewage treatment plants in the vicinity. Even repair and restoration of the drainage system were ordered.
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