Now Construction Allowed Within ‘200 Meters’ Of Dams In Maharashtra

Pune, 15th December 2022: To prevent water pollution, construction was banned within 200 meters on both sides of the catchment area of all dams in Maharashtra. However, due to the pressure of the people’s representatives and some citizens, the government reluctantly withdrew the order in just five months. As a result, the way has been cleared for construction very close to the dams in the state.

In the last few years, there has been an increase in the construction of eateries and residential houses near the dams in the state, including Pune. It was pointed out that the construction was being done without any permission and the wastewater was being discharged into the reservoir. It has increased the risk of water pollution.

In this background, a proposal was made to the state government that any kind of construction should be banned on both sides of the catchment area and the rules should be changed for that. It was approved by the government in July. The government took this decision because the safety and security of the dam should not be threatened.

However the people’s representatives and the restaurant owners have raised the demand to promote tourism and other development works. Accordingly, the government has once again implemented a ban up to 75 meters from the catchment area as per the 2018 policy.

Construction will be prohibited within the water level of the dams i.e. one meter high or within 75 meters. According to the circular issued in 2018, construction can be done in an area of 75 meters.