The board’s action follows inspections at the river confluence in Sangamwadi, Naidu Hospital STP, Mundhwa facility, and Kharadi STP. MPCB officials said heavy foaming was caused by improperly treated effluent. In Mundhwa, untreated sewage was found entering the river directly through a nullah (open drain), severely deteriorating water quality. In Kharadi, the board noted improper hydraulic regulation and inadequate operational control at the treatment plant. Currently, approximately 500 MLD of untreated sewage is discharged directly into Mula and Mutha rivers through 10 major nullahs. This has led to an alarming rise in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and faecal coliform levels. MPCB officials pointed out that several newly merged areas — including Kharadi, Kondhwa, Pisoli, Bavdhan, Sus, and Undri —remain entirely unsewered. This is not the first time the civic body has been under fire. In 2019, the regulator directed PMC to strengthen its sewage disposal system. However, MPCB officials observed that PMC had failed to comply with these directions, leading to repeated foaming incidents and recent mass fish kills. MPCB has now ordered PMC to investigate the matter and implement measures to prevent further deterioration of river water. The municipal body has been told to submit an action taken report within 48 hours. MPCB regional officer Babasaheb Kukade confirmed that while a hearing with PMC officials has begun, it is yet to be concluded, pending the submission of formal report.
