Page 51 - Sugam Sarita
P. 51

of  which  are  supposedly  closed.  Sangameshwar  (Confluence  with

          Bhima): This is where Mula Mutha and Bhima meet.

          The condition of Pune’s rivers has gotten worse during the previous
          20 to 25 years. Pune’s population has grown exponentially, resulting
          in massive sewage production that is only partially treated due to the

          extremely inadequate capacity and dubious efficacy of PMC’s sewage
          treatment plants. Since all  STPs discharge  partially  treated sewage
          into the rivers throughout most of the year, all these rivers essentially
          carry only sewage rather than fresh water. Large amounts of industrial

          effluents are dumped into the rivers on top of all of this. The number
          of industrial effluents is so great that the Pollution Control Boards’
          monitoring is now in doubt. Pune, like many cities, faces a significant
          problem with solid waste management. Despite trash separation and

          processing, we continue to struggle with the issue of 100% rubbish
          collection. The trash that is scattered all over the place is evidence of
          the negligence of the people, which comprises of plastic, eventually
          mixes with surface runoffs and becomes clogged in the storm water

          drainage system, causing water to pool in numerous places and
          causing what are known as “pluvial floods.” The ability of all rivers
          and streams in and around Pune to convey water has significantly
          decreased  during  the  past  several  years.  To  do  this,  one  must  first

          comprehend the idea of “Flood Lines,” which are determined by
          the Water Resources Department. The flood lines come in red and
          blue varieties. While red flood lines indicate the level of the flood
          that occurs every 100 years, blue flood lines indicate the level of the

          flood that occurs every 25 years. The area of property between the
          two Blue Flood Lines is referred to as the “Prohibitive Zone,” and
          no building is allowed there. Additionally, there are restrictions on
          construction in the “Restrictive Zone,” which is the area of land

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