Pune's Mula River Faces Severe Pollution Crisis from Construction Debris
Residents of Hinjewadi in Pune have sounded the alarm over large-scale dumping of construction debris and obstructions near the Hinjewadi–Wakad bridge, which is severely impacting the Mula River—a crucial drinking water source for the area. They report that the situation has dramatically affected water quality, raising serious pollution and public health concerns.
River Flow Blocked, Creating Stagnant, Polluted Conditions
Anirudha Karandikar, a resident of Blue Ridge township in Hinjewadi, explained that debris generated during bridge construction on NH-48 has significantly obstructed the river's natural flow. "The bridge contractor has dumped a massive amount of debris directly into the riverbed, almost completely blocking the river. Only a small passage remains on one side, causing water to back up and stagnate," he stated.
Karandikar added that this reduced flow has led to stagnation and the accumulation of pollutants, creating sewage-like conditions. "Large quantities of water hyacinth have built up, exacerbating the pollution. This is particularly alarming because water from the Mula River is treated before being supplied to multiple housing societies, making any contamination a significant public health risk," he emphasized.
Residents Report Repeated Incidents and Health Concerns
Himanshu Chadha, another Blue Ridge resident, shared that this is not the first occurrence. "The contractor working on the Wakad bridge had completely blocked the river by dumping debris into it. We first noticed this in January and had it cleared, but the dumping happened again. When the water becomes stagnant, it starts to emit foul odors," he said.
Chadha highlighted the gravity of the situation: "This is a serious issue because the Mula River is the only source of drinking water for thousands of residents here. While our township draws water from the river and treats it through proper filtration and water treatment plants, contamination at the source affects the entire system. People are already facing issues like foul smell and potential health problems."
He also pointed to additional complications: "Irrigation department officials are currently on-site supervising the clean-up. However, ropes have been installed in the river to stop hyacinth from entering the PCMC side, which is worsening the situation by trapping polluted water on our side."
Irrigation Department Takes Action Against Unauthorized Work
Mayur Bhutada, an irrigation department official, confirmed that apart from Blue Ridge, several villages and townships in Hinjewadi depend on the Mula River for water. "The contractor appointed for constructing the bridge began work without obtaining the required permissions from the irrigation department. Initially, small amounts of debris were dumped, but gradually, the entire river flow was blocked," he informed.
Bhutada detailed the consequences: "This caused water to back up, leading to stagnation, the growth of water hyacinth, mosquito breeding, and health concerns among residents. We had issued notices earlier and warned that such actions could attract penalties under environmental laws."
He provided an update on the cleanup efforts: "The contractor has now begun removing the debris, and work has been underway for the past several days under our supervision. A significant portion has already been cleared, and the remaining debris will be removed soon."
However, Bhutada noted another issue: "The installation of hyacinth barriers in the river, reportedly by PCMC without permission, is obstructing the natural flow and worsening conditions upstream. We have asked for their removal as well and are following due process to ensure compliance."
Broader Impact and Ongoing Monitoring
The pollution incident underscores the vulnerability of urban water sources to construction activities. Residents have approached the irrigation department, leading to initiated action. "We raised the issue with the irrigation department. A notice was issued to the contractor to clear the debris and restore the river flow," Karandikar added.
As the cleanup progresses, authorities emphasize the need for stricter oversight to prevent recurrence. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting natural water bodies, especially in rapidly developing areas like Hinjewadi, where thousands rely on the Mula River for their daily water needs.
