Pune: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated water pollution tests at Pashan Lake after death of fish en masse had been reported. “A team of civic officials visited the lake on Friday. The samples of the water were collected. They were sent for testing,” said Ganesh Sonune, environment officer. As per the civic officials, the incident happened on Wednesday.Sonune added that the measures for reduction of the pollutants will be taken after the test report, which is expected in a couple of days.Environmental activist Anant Gharat said, “Pashan Lake is not just a waterbody. However, PMC officials have consistently neglected its upkeep.”After the incident came to light, the civic administration has taken disciplinary action against officials. A show-cause notice has been issued to the head of PMC’s drainage department, while four senior officials —two each from the drainage and solid waste management departments. “It has been found that there has been a dereliction of duty on your part regarding this work,” stated the notice by deputy commissioner Santosh Warule. “Why should responsibility not be fixed upon you for the negligence/laxity in your work?” said the notice issued by additional commissioner Pavneet Kaur.“Additional action has been taken. It includes show-cause notice to the private consultant, inquiry of ETPs and an inspection of surrounding factories by MPCB,” said PMC commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.
