The Bombay High Court has raised serious concerns over alarming levels of water contamination in the Godavari River in Nashik, directing the Maharashtra government and concerned authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further pollution.
A division bench of Justices A. S. Gadkari and Kamal Khata, in an order dated October 27, expressed shock after examining a water testing report dated October 7 and photographs submitted by the petitioner in connection with a contempt petition arising from a public interest litigation on river pollution.
High Levels of Hazardous Chemicals Raise Alarm
According to the report placed before the court, the water sample showed a chromium concentration of 50.3 mg per litre. The bench noted that contaminated water was flowing into the Godavari through a local drain near the Kumbh Mela ghat. Photographs showing the possible impact of exposure to or consumption of the polluted water were also described as deeply disturbing.
Authorities Criticised for Delayed Action
The court expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress made by the Nashik Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, Smart City Development Corporation and other agencies, despite earlier directions issued in 2014 and 2018.
The Maharashtra government has been asked to explain the steps taken to implement previous court orders and outline immediate measures to prevent hazardous chemicals from entering the river. The bench stressed that remedial action must be taken on a war footing, particularly until common effluent treatment plants and sewage treatment facilities become operational.
The state government sought additional time to obtain detailed instructions from the Chief Secretary. The court granted the request and scheduled the next hearing for November 5, keeping the focus on urgent measures to protect the Godavari from further contamination.