Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal announced plans to enhance food security in the state by expanding inspection drives and taking action against food adulteration under MCOCA. Following raids in Vasai and Andheri, cases have been filed against 14 individuals, with proceedings underway to deport four. Special focus is being placed on monitoring milk supplies into major cities like Mumbai. To address staff shortages, a proposal has been submitted to the Finance Department, and 197 new employees have been recruited and deployed after training. A meeting is scheduled to discuss issues related to scented betel nuts.
State Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil informed the State Assembly about plans to penalize Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporations for releasing untreated sewage into natural river streams, contaminating water used for agriculture. Responding to concerns raised by NCP MLA Dnyaneshwar Katke regarding contaminated water affecting farms in Haveli taluka, Minister Vikhe-Patil emphasized the need to control water usage and expand sewage treatment capacity. He highlighted the importance of treating sewage before discharge into natural streams to prevent pollution, mentioning ongoing projects to enhance sewage treatment capacity in Pune.
Minister Vikhe-Patil also mentioned upcoming initiatives to remove silt from major dams like Ujani and Jayakwadi, along with smaller dams like Kukadi. In response to a query by BJP member Hemant Rasane, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal stated that a separate policy will be formulated to address the redevelopment challenges of dilapidated Pune Municipal Corporation colonies. She highlighted the need for total redevelopment of structurally compromised municipal colonies and the development of a comprehensive policy to expedite the process for around 4,000 houses facing redevelopment challenges.
