Indrayani River in Pune Grapples with Severe Toxic Foam and Ecological Crisis
For several weeks now, large stretches of the revered Indrayani river near Alandi in Pune have been shrouded in thick white toxic foam, presenting a grim environmental spectacle. Adding to the distress, dead fish have been discovered floating along the riverbanks, serving as a stark indicator of escalating pollution levels that threaten both ecology and public health.
Residents and Activists Express Fury Over Government Inaction
This alarming situation has left local residents and environmental groups seething with anger, directing their frustration towards what they describe as the "prolonged lethargy and empty assurances" of government departments. They accuse authorities of allowing the Indrayani, a river central to the cultural identity of western Maharashtra and revered by lakhs of pilgrims, to deteriorate into a toxic water body.
Locals report that over the past two months, the river water has turned blackish, with chemical froth accumulating on the surface. Several residents from Alandi emphasized that this degradation is not a sudden occurrence but a gradual process spanning years. They allege that authorities typically show concern only during periods of public outrage or media scrutiny. Otherwise, the river continues to receive untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and chemical waste, primarily from upstream urban areas within the Pune Municipal Corporation limits.
Environmental Warnings and Public Distrust Intensify
Environmental activist Arjun Medankar from Alandi stated, "The foam itself tells the story. This is chemical pollution. Fish dying is the final warning." Residents have accused officials of downplaying the crisis severity and resorting to cosmetic measures rather than implementing long-term solutions. This ongoing pollution has significantly deepened public distrust in civic bodies, the pollution control board, and river conservation agencies.
Environmentalists have issued stern warnings, stressing that unless strict enforcement and accountability mechanisms are introduced immediately, the Indrayani river could face irreversible ecological damage. The river is not merely an ecological lifeline but also a major pilgrimage route, especially during the wari when lakhs of devotees trek to Pandharpur. Locals fear that the deteriorating water quality poses serious health risks to pilgrims and nearby villagers.
Failed Promises and Bureaucratic Delays
Over the last five years, several ministers have visited Alandi, promising swift action and pollution-free waters. The state government even announced the ambitious Indrayani River Rejuvenation Project, valued at over Rs 670 crore. However, residents lament that little has changed on the ground, with the river's condition continuing to worsen.
Lawyer and activist Vilas Kate highlighted the bureaucratic inertia, noting, "Project reports were prepared, approved, revised, and resubmitted, but the actual execution never came." Officials have cited procedural delays, extended tendering processes, and lack of coordination between central and state agencies as reasons for the stagnation. This reflects what many perceive as a lethargic attitude among officials who appear unserious about addressing the issue.
Somnath Gaikwad, a local sports shop owner, echoed these sentiments, saying, "Files are moving, but the river is dying. How long will officials and politicians hide behind paperwork?"
Pollution Control Board's Response and Public Skepticism
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials stated that their initial inspections have primarily identified untreated sewage water in the river. MPCB's sub-regional officer NS Aautade mentioned that over the last two days, they have inspected multiple river stretches and collected water samples from eight spots. He added that the extent of pollution will be clearer once final laboratory reports are received.
However, residents remain skeptical of the MPCB's effectiveness. Resident Swapnil Kamble questioned, "What has MPCB ever done to mitigate the issue in the last decade? They merely sent notices to housing societies. The situation would have not reached this stage, had they acted promptly against violators."
Local Anger and Calls for Immediate Action
Local residents are particularly incensed by political assurances that consistently fail to translate into tangible action. Many fear that without sustained public pressure, the issue will once again fade from official priority lists until the next crisis erupts. One resident succinctly captured the collective sentiment, stating, "The Indrayani doesn't need any more visits or statements. It needs action. And it needed it years ago."
In a recent development, the newly elected president of the Alandi municipal council, Prashant Kurhade, announced plans for a comprehensive drive to clean the river bed over the next fortnight. He appealed to residents for their participation in this initiative, signaling a potential step towards addressing the crisis, though many await concrete results.
