MPCB issues show-cause notice to KMC over Rankala Lake pollution

Kolhapur: Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a show-cause notice to the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) over failure to control water pollution in Rankala Lake.Social activist Dilip Desai filed a complaint with the MPCB regarding this following which MPCB officials carried out a thorough inspection on May 22 and May 25.Desai from Prajasattak Samajik Sewa Sanstha said, “For the last 15 years, despite guidelines issued by the MPCB and even the National Green Tribunal (NGT), pollution in Rankala Lake continues. The KMC is focused on beautification of Rankala Lake to attract tourists. However, the root cause of pollution remains neglected. Priority should be given to stop the lake’s pollution permanently.”Nikhil Gharat, regional officer (Kolhapur, MPCB), said, “The KMC is directed to stop the discharge of domestic effluent directly/indirectly into the lake. Also, it is directed to stop animal and cloth washing activities immediately so as to avoid further damage to the environment. The civic body has been given seven days to reply to the notice. If not, legal action will be initiated against them under provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.”A KMC official, while requesting anonymity, said, “We have received the show-cause notice and a reply will be sent accordingly. Measures are being taken to prevent water pollution in Rankala Lake.”