NGT Orders Probe Into Contaminated Water At Bhiwandi Housing Society

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Western Zone Bench, Pune, has ordered a joint inquiry into allegations of contaminated drinking water at a housing society in Bhiwandi's Narpoli area. The inquiry will be conducted by a committee comprising representatives of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the Thane District Collector.

The committee has been directed to inspect the site, examine the cause of the alleged contamination, and recommend necessary remedial measures. The report is to be submitted within a month. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for October 15.

The case pertains to Shantisagar Complex 'F' Wing Co-operative Housing Society in Narpoli, which moved the NGT against the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) and others. The society alleged that sewage and contaminated water were mixing with its drinking water supply due to damaged and dilapidated pipelines.

According to the society, the problem has affected the health and safety of residents from 32 families living in the building. The society claimed that despite repeated complaints, applications, and legal notices, no effective steps had been taken to resolve the issue.

However, the BNCMC presented a different version of events. The civic body stated that there were defects in the drainage and storm-water lines of the concerned building, resulting in sewage water overflowing outside. The BNCMC claimed that this wastewater had affected the municipal water pipeline serving the premises, leading to complaints of contaminated water supply.

The NGT observed that a joint inspection was necessary to determine the actual situation on the ground, given the conflicting claims. The BNCMC Executive Engineer, Sandeep Patnavar, maintained that there was no leakage in the municipal drinking water pipeline. He attributed the contamination issue to leakage in the drainage line of the concerned building.

The MPCB has been named the nodal agency for the inquiry. The joint committee will visit the site, verify the factual circumstances, and suggest corrective measures. The NGT's order aims to resolve the dispute and ensure a safe drinking water supply to the residents of the housing society.

The issue of contaminated water supply is a serious concern, particularly in urban areas like Bhiwandi. The NGT's intervention is crucial in addressing the problem and ensuring that the residents have access to clean and safe drinking water.

The outcome of the inquiry will be crucial in determining the cause of the contamination and the necessary steps to be taken to resolve the issue. The report is expected to provide a clear picture of the situation and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

In conclusion, the NGT's order for a joint probe into the contaminated water supply at the Bhiwandi housing society is a significant step towards addressing the issue. The inquiry will help to determine the cause of the contamination and ensure that the residents have access to safe and clean drinking water.

The NGT's intervention highlights the importance of ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the residents of urban areas like Bhiwandi. The outcome of the inquiry will be closely watched, and the recommendations of the joint committee will be crucial in resolving the issue and preventing such incidents in the future.

The incident also highlights the need for regular maintenance and inspection of water supply lines and drainage systems to prevent such contamination. The authorities must take proactive steps to ensure that the water supply is safe and clean, and that the residents are not affected by such incidents.

The NGT's order is a significant step towards addressing the issue of contaminated water supply in urban areas. The inquiry will help to determine the cause of the contamination and ensure that the residents have access to safe and clean drinking water. The outcome of the inquiry will be crucial in determining the necessary steps to be taken to resolve the issue and prevent such incidents in the future.