Submit an ‘Action Taken Report’ in the Ujani Dam Water Pollution Case : National Human Rights Commission

Order issued to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board following a complaint by Surajya Abhiyan

Solapur, Maharashtra  – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious note of the severe water pollution in the Ujani Dam—the lifeline of Solapur district—and the resulting public health emergency. Acting on a complaint filed by Surajya Abhiyan, the Commission has issued notices to the Chairman of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the Principal Secretary of the Public Health Department.

The Commission has directed that a thorough inquiry be conducted and an “Action Taken Report” (ATR) be submitted within two weeks. These strict instructions were issued by Commission Member Priyank Kanungo. This information was shared through a press release by Mr. Abhishek Murukate, Maharashtra State Coordinator of Surajya Abhiyan.

According to the press release, evidence presented by Surajya Abhiyan before the Commission shows that manganese levels in Ujani’s water were found to be 2.56 mg/litre, which is 51 times higher than the safe limit. The Pollution Control Board’s own report reportedly admits that approximately 4,262 million litres of untreated sewage from the cities of Pune and Solapur are being discharged directly into the dam every day.

As per a report by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the water has been declared “extremely unsafe” for human use, with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels reaching up to 700 ppm.

Mr. Abhishek Murukate stated that this is not merely environmental pollution but a violation of the “Right to Life” guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. Despite serious evidence of contamination, the administration has neither issued any public health advisory nor arranged alternative drinking water supply for the 28 affected villages. He termed this an inexcusable negligence on the part of public officials.

Surajya Abhiyan has stated that it will continue its legal battle to protect citizens’ health and ensure environmental justice.

Demands Made by Surajya Abhiyan

1. Immediate “blood-metal screening” (testing for heavy metals in blood) of affected citizens.

2. Strict legal action against negligent officials and establishment of a “medical compensation fund.” Immediate provision of safe drinking water to the affected villages must be ensured.

Editorial Perspective

Why did Surajya Abhiyan have to file a complaint, why did the National Human Rights Commission and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board not take action on their own ?