Nashik authorities have launched a major crackdown on industrial units in Ambad MIDC after chromium-contaminated groundwater was found in Dattanagar, with 17 plating units facing closure proceedings and water and power disconnections. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) have also begun a wider audit to identify the source of the contamination and locate unauthorised or non-compliant operations.
Officials said inspections of 275 industrial units and sheds in areas adjoining Dattanagar have been completed so far. The survey is examining the manufacturing activities being carried out, verifying statutory permissions and documents, and checking compliance with pollution-control requirements.
The inspections found that 17 plating units were violating environmental norms. MPCB has issued closure notices to the units after finding that effluent treatment plants at several facilities were either not functioning or appeared to be operating under suspicious conditions.
MIDC has disconnected water supply to nine of the 17 units, while action is under way against the remaining units. Authorities have also directed the Maharashtra State Electricity Board to disconnect power supply to the erring factories. Five other industrial units have received show-cause notices and have been asked to explain why closure proceedings should not be initiated against them, according to a senior MPCB official.
The action followed complaints from residents about yellowish and contaminated borewell water in Dattanagar and nearby areas on Nashik’s outskirts. An analysis report cited by MPCB found total chromium levels of 45 parts per million in the groundwater. “According to the analysis report, the groundwater was found to be contaminated, with total chromium levels recorded at 45 ppm. Based on the findings, inspections of industries in the area have been initiated, and further investigations are underway to trace the source of contamination,” the MPCB official said.
The joint inspection was carried out by MPCB, MIDC and Nashik Municipal Corporation after directions from Maharashtra guardian minister Girish Mahajan, environment minister Pankaja Munde and mayor Himgauri Aher. The agencies are now continuing the survey of the industrial estate while investigating whether individual units, unauthorised operations or failures in effluent treatment systems contributed to the groundwater pollution.
The authorities have not yet identified the definitive source of the chromium contamination. Further inspections, document verification and investigations are expected to determine the responsibility of specific units and establish the next regulatory steps for the affected industrial facilities.
