Overflow of drainage water adds to river pollution

NASHIK: The uninterrupted flow of dirty water from drainage chambers into the Godavari River has only added to the problem of river pollution.
All drainage chambers along the river broke during the floods in August earlier this year, leading to mixing of drainage water into the river. The chambers at Chopada Lawns, Ramwadi, Lendi Nullah, Ramkund, Rokdobawadi, Amardham and Kannamwar Bridge were damaged due to the flood.
Though the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) repaired the chambers, it has been unsuccessful in preventing the drainage water from entering the river.
“Drainage water mixing with the river is a big problem. All chambers had broken during the flood and the dirty water is still flowing into the river. Now, the river stinks and has become unhealthy for local boys who regularly take a dip for fishing out coins from the water,” said Devang Jani, a local resident.
Local women, who wash their clothes on the riverbanks, are also under threat due to the unhygienic water. “The water sometimes stinks but we have no option but to wash clothes here,” said Shantabai Kothule, a local washerwoman.
Speaking on the issue, environmentalist Rajesh Pandit said, “After the chambers broke throughout the stretch of the river, river water gushed into the broken chambers and mixed with drainage water. In normal circumstances, drainage water is released or mixes with river water. And that is exactly what happening.”
Meanwhile, NMC’s superintending engineer (water supply, sewerage and mechanical department) UB Pawar said, “We used jetting machine and bucket machine on Friday and Saturday to suck all the dirt, debris, bamboo mats, among others that had accumulated at one location. We are addressing the issue proactively. All the chambers have already been repaired.”