Mumbai : The state-controlled apex body for checking pollution, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), on Thursday served notices to 68 industrial establishments operating on the banks of Mithi river. The units have been discharging hazardous chemical substances into the river without treating them as per the existing norms. Ramdas Kadam , state environment minister, said that notices were issued to these establishments, mostly small and medium size factories and garages, after MPCB found that these units posed pollution threat to the river. “These factories and garages are on the bank of the river in Kurla, Ghatkopar and Kalina. These are operating after obtaining proper licenses and necessary permissions from the concerned authorities. But MPCB found water in Mithi is dangerous for marine life due to high-level pollution caused by these units,” Kadam said.
“Further probe by us revealed around 68 units have been discharging polluting substances into the river and we have now served them notices to respond in a week from now,” said a senior MPCB official, requesting anonymity.
Pandurang Mhaske
