NHRC takes cognisance of Surajya Abhiyan’s complaint over critical Ujani Dam pollution

Issues notice to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board; orders immediate ‘Action Taken Report’

Solapur, Maharashtra – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious cognisance of a complaint regarding severe water pollution in Ujani Dam, the lifeline of Solapur district, and the resulting health emergency.

Acting on a complaint lodged by ‘Surajya Abhiyan’, the Commission has issued notices to the Chairman of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Principal Secretary of the Public Health Department. Hon’ble Member of the Commission, Priyank Kanungo, has directed the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and submit an ‘Action Taken Report’ (ATR) within the next two weeks.

Evidence submitted by Surajya Abhiyan to the Commission shows that manganese levels in the dam’s water were found to be 2.56 mg/L, which is 51 times higher than the permissible limit. The MPCB’s own report shockingly admits that around 4,262 million liters of untreated sewage from Pune and Solapur cities are discharged directly into the dam each day. A report by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has classified this water as ‘extremely unsafe’ for human consumption, with ‘TDS levels’ reaching 700 ppm.

“This is not just environmental pollution; it is a violation of the ‘Right to Life’ guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution,” said Shri. Abhishek Murukate, Maharashtra State Coordinator of Surajya Abhiyan. He further noted that despite grave evidence of pollution, the administration failed to issue any health advisories or provide alternative drinking water to the 28 affected villages, marking an inexcusable negligence by public servants.

Demands of Surajya Abhiyan

• Immediate ‘Blood-Metal Screening’ of affected citizens to check for heavy metal toxicity.
• Strict legal action against negligent officials and the establishment of a ‘Medical Compensation Fund’.
• Immediate assurance of clean drinking water supply to the affected villages.

Surajya Abhiyan has stated that it will continue its legal efforts to safeguard public health and ensure environmental justice.