Kolhapur collector sets 8-day deadline to remove hyacinth from Panchaganga

Kolhapur: District collector Vijay Rathod has directed multiple agencies, including the zilla parishad, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, irrigation department, and Ichalkaranji Municipal Corporation, to completely remove water hyacinth from the Panchaganga river within eight days, warning of strict action for delays.Chairing a review meeting on river pollution at the collector's office, Rathod expressed dissatisfaction over inaction despite earlier planning, and instructed the departments to expedite measures. "The zilla parishad should get all the information about the projects in villages. Further action should be taken accordingly. The work on the Rs 609 crore STP project in Ichalkaranji is stalled; take punitive action against the contractor. The issue of Panchaganga pollution will have to be resolved by taking everyone together and coming up with a long-term solution," he said.Environmental activist Uday Gaikwad highlighted that the situation has become critical. "Organisations are protesting in Shirol tehsil of Kolhapur as the river pollution has turned critical. Inadequate solid waste processing could worsen the situation further during the monsoon," Gaikwad said.Reviewing pre-monsoon preparedness, the collector directed all local bodies to complete drain cleaning by the end of May and submit compliance reports. He also ordered arrangements for drinking water, sanitation and shelter facilities in flood-prone villages, along with structural audits of unsafe school and anganwadi buildings.Rathod said govt officials would not be allowed to leave headquarters or take leave during the monsoon period. He instructed the public works department and National Highways authorities to repair roads, clear hazardous trees and ensure accessibility in vulnerable areas.He further called for coordination with dam authorities in Kolhapur and adjoining districts, and directed civic bodies to install public announcement systems in all flood-prone villages to ensure timely warnings during emergencies.