Industries may face stringent action for polluting rivers

"Unfortunately, all rivers in the state are polluted. A report based on pollution in rivers in western Maharashtra would be soon submitted to the Speaker of the State Legislature and action to be taken against industries can be decided then," said Minister for Water Supply and Sanitation, Lakshman Dhoble Wednesday.

Rivers flowing in 300 villages, 14 Municipal Councils and three Municipal Corporations have been covered in the report, after repeated complaints of water pollution from Pimpari- Chichwad Municipal Corporation near Pune, Dhoble said.

The issue was raised during the last Assembly session and the Speaker had asked to make a detail report on it. The Collector concerned has prepared the report, the minister said.

Meanwhile, the Government is planning to have a cleanliness drive during Vari, an annual pilgrimage to the Lord Vithoba temple at Pandharpur. "We want the people to be aware about the clean environment during vari which goes on for about 15 days," Dhoble said.

The drive would have cultural groups and scenes to make the people understand about the clean environment. The minister himself would participate in the vari to encourage the efforts.