Maharashtra Government Appoints Panel to Investigate Panchaganga River Pollution
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Maharashtra government appoints panel to investigate pollution in Panchaganga River. |
| Panel Leader | Executive engineer of the Kolhapur irrigation department. |
| State's Response | State Environment Minister provided a written response on pollution causes and fish deaths in Panchaganga and Warna rivers. |
| Pollution in Warna River | Dead fish found at Bhadole and Chikurde; untreated effluent from Warna Cooperative Sugar Mill identified as the cause. |
| Action Taken | Inspection conducted in December 2024; Rs 5 lakh fine imposed on the sugar factory. |
| Purpose of Panel | Examine pollution sources and recommend corrective measures. |
| Panchaganga River | Major tributary of Krishna River; originates from Prayag Sangam, Chikhlee Taluka, Kolhapur district; formed by confluence of Kasari, Kumbhi, Tulsi, Bhogawati, and Saraswati rivers; flows 80 km before merging with Krishna River. |
| Spiritual and Agricultural Importance | Banks lined with temples and shrines; Panchaganga valley highly fertile, producing winter crops; water used for sugarcane cultivation. |