MSEDCL to disconnect power to illegal jeans-wash units in Maharashtra's Kalyan within 7 days after activist protest

KALYAN: Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has assured that electricity supply to illegal jeans-wash units operating across the Kalyan division will be disconnected within seven days, following a protest by social activists and environmental groups outside its office on Tuesday.

The agitation was held at the MSEDCL Kalyan Division office premises in Tejashree Compound and saw participation from members of several organisations and environmental activists and several other activists took part in the protest.

The protesters raised concerns over rising electricity bills, the alleged mandatory installation of electric meters and the failure of authorities to disconnect power supply to illegal jeans-wash factories despite repeated directions from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).

According to the activists, the MPCB has issued closure notices to several illegal jeans-wash units operating in the Kalyan division over the past three years. The pollution watchdog had also directed MSEDCL to disconnect electricity supply to these units. However, protesters alleged that the orders were not implemented, allowing the units to continue operating.

Environmental activist Shashikant Dayma alleged that several illegal jeans-wash units are functioning in residential and semi-residential areas of Ulhasnagar, Kalyan and Ambernath. He claimed that these units use chemical-laden water to process and colour denim fabric and subsequently discharge the untreated effluent into nearby drains.

“The contaminated water eventually flows into the Ulhas and Waldhuni rivers without treatment, causing environmental damage and affecting the health and quality of life of residents living near these units,” Dayma alleged.

He further claimed that hundreds of such units were once concentrated in Ulhasnagar and were shut down following enforcement action a few years ago. However, after the crackdown, many operators allegedly shifted their activities to the outskirts of the city and gradually resumed operations illegally in parts of Ulhasnagar, Kalyan and Ambernath.

Holding MSEDCL equally responsible for the continued pollution of the Ulhas and Waldhuni rivers, protesters staged a sit-in outside the office of the chief engineer and demanded immediate action against both the units and officials accused of ignoring MPCB directives.

Following discussions with the protesters, MSEDCL's chief engineer reportedly provided a written assurance that electricity connections of illegal jeans-wash units would be disconnected within seven days. The utility also assured that action would be taken against officials found responsible for failing to comply with regulatory orders.

Shailesh Tiwari an activist part of protest alleged that the delay in implementing MPCB directives reflected a lack of seriousness towards environmental protection. Dayma, meanwhile, expressed hope that strict enforcement would help curb industrial pollution and improve the health of the Ulhas and Waldhuni river systems.