Pavana River Pollution: Maharashtra Government Tells NGT No Funds Available; PCMC Faces Questions
A funding dispute over the Pavana River pollution-control project has come under scrutiny during proceedings before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). According to a press release issued by Adv. Krunal Ghare, the Maharashtra government has stated before the NGT that funds are not currently available for the project, while the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) has also indicated that PCMC should identify its own funding source.
Maharashtra Government’s Stand Before NGT
The NGT had directed the Maharashtra government, NRCD and PCMC to jointly submit a definite timeline for implementing measures to address pollution in the Pavana River.
However, according to the press release, the Maharashtra government subsequently informed the NGT through an affidavit that funds were not available for the Pavana River pollution-control project.
The NRCD has also reportedly stated that funding is unavailable and that PCMC should find its own source of funds.
Questions Over Implementation of Proposed Works
The funding issue has also raised concerns about the implementation of proposed works by PMRDA, which depend on funding from the state or central government.
The press release states that the Pavana River is classified among highly polluted river stretches in India. The issue therefore extends beyond Maval and Pimpri-Chinchwad, with pollution potentially affecting areas downstream toward Pune city and the Ujani region.
Advocate Raises Questions Over PCMC Finances
Against this backdrop, Adv. Krunal Ghare has decided to place PCMC's financial position before the NGT.
According to the press release, PCMC's audited financial report for FY 2024-25 shows bank fixed deposits of approximately ₹4,899.71 crore. Including investments and bank balances mentioned in the report, the civic body's financial resources are stated to be around ₹8,125 crore.
The release further states that PCMC earned approximately ₹407 crore in interest income during the same financial year.
Previous Project Deadlines Also Highlighted
Ghare has also raised questions over previous assurances given regarding the project.
According to the press release, following directions from the Supreme Court in 2019, PCMC had assured that the project would be completed by 2021. The deadline was not met.
The release further states that PCMC again gave an assurance before the NGT in 2024 regarding completion of the project. However, the work remains incomplete, with the lack of funding from NRCD now being cited as a reason.
Citizens Question Delay in River Pollution Control
The issue has reportedly triggered anger among citizens, with concerns that repeated assurances were given publicly while the lack of actual funding for the project was not clearly communicated.
Citizens are also questioning why funds are reportedly unavailable for an environmentally critical project while substantial funding is allocated to other projects described as non-essential.
Ghare has questioned why PCMC should wait for external funding when it reportedly has financial resources running into thousands of crores.
Demand for Environmental Compensation
Ghare has stated that if PCMC, PMRDA and Zilla Parishad do not undertake the required work using their own resources, appropriate demands regarding Environmental Compensation and fixing responsibility for environmental damage will be raised before the NGT.
The matter remains under consideration in the context of the ongoing NGT proceedings.