Bhayander: The state urban development department and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) have sought an explanation from Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) over the construction of an artificial immersion pond by erecting a wall inside a natural waterbody in the city.The MBMC has made arrangements for Ganesh idol immersion at 24 locations this year. Of these, five are natural waterbodies or creeks, while artificial ponds have been created at 19 locations.Artificial ponds are generally constructed to protect natural waterbodies from pollution and damage during idol immersion. However, the civic body has allegedly constructed a wall inside a natural waterbody and created an artificial pond in another portion of it.According to rules, no unauthorised construction or alteration can be carried out in a natural waterbody. A court order also prohibits the immersion of Ganesh idols taller than six feet in natural waterbodies. City resident Dheeraj Parab had lodged complaints with the state government alleging violations.Following the complaints, state under-secretary Dr Ravindra Bharate directed the municipal commissioner to conduct an inspection and submit a report. The Thane regional officer of MPCB, Kiran Hasabnis, has also sought a report from the civic body.MPCB officials have inspected the artificial immersion ponds. “We will submit our written explanation to the state government and the pollution control board,” said MBMC commissioner Radha Binod Sharma.
