Pollution Control Board Issues Notices to Industries, Civic Bodies Over Panchganga River Contamination

Authorities have issued show-cause notices to factories and municipal bodies in Kolhapur and Ichalkaranji after rising pollution levels and fish deaths triggered protests along the Panchganga River

Kolhapur | 23 March, 2026: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has initiated action against key polluting entities responsible for contamination of the Panchganga River, issuing show-cause notices to industries, processing units, and civic bodies.

The notices have been served to industrial units including sizing and processing factories, along with the municipal corporations of Kolhapur and Ichalkaranji. The move follows growing public outrage over deteriorating water quality and environmental damage in the river stretch.

Last week, large patches of water hyacinth were seen spreading rapidly from Ichalkaranji to the Shiroli barrage, raising concerns about severe pollution. The situation escalated after incidents of dead fish were reported near the barrage, prompting officials to conduct spot inspections.Local residents, under the banner of the Panchganga River Protection Committee, had staged protests and submitted a memorandum to district authorities, demanding immediate intervention. Protest leaders warned of intensified agitation if strict action was not taken against polluters.

Responding swiftly, the Pollution Control Board has directed the identified entities to submit explanations within seven days and take corrective measures to stop the discharge of untreated wastewater into the river.

Activists have cautioned that failure to comply could lead to stronger action, including disconnection of electricity supply to polluting units and suspension of water access by the irrigation department.District officials have assured that a joint meeting will be convened next week to address the issue and outline further steps to restore the river’s health.

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