Indrayani River Pollution Intensifies, Raising Alarms Across Pune Region
The persistent pollution in the Indrayani river has ignited widespread concern among devotees in the pilgrimage hub of Alandi and residents along its banks, particularly in the Pimpri Chinchwad area. This environmental crisis is now prompting urgent calls for coordinated action among multiple authorities to safeguard public health and the river's fragile ecosystem.
Municipal Response and Inter-Agency Coordination
While the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) asserts it has been addressing complaints about contaminated water within its jurisdiction, it has recently escalated efforts by urging the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to halt the discharge of untreated effluents into the river beyond its limits. This move follows a surge in grievances from affected communities.
On February 13, PCMC Commissioner Shravan Hardikar convened a meeting with these agencies and the irrigation department. He emphasized the need to maintain adequate water levels in the Nighoje bund, which receives water from the Andra dam on the same river. This bund currently serves as the primary source for raw water that PCMC treats and supplies to residents. "The meeting was held to discuss improving water quality following complaints from residents in February. We discussed corrective measures," Hardikar stated.
Historical Pollution and Recent Health Incidents
The Indrayani river, originating near Lonavla and spanning 105 kilometers with 18 kilometers within PCMC limits, flows through numerous municipal councils, nagar panchayats, and 48 villages. Pollution here has been a contentious issue for years, marked by reports of toxic foam and dead fish, drawing attention from successive chief ministers. Despite assurances, tangible improvements remain elusive.
In November last year, PCMC initiated tendering for comprehensive Indrayani river rejuvenation works, including sewage treatment plants (STPs), desilting, and other measures. PMRDA planned a parallel project for rural stretches, proposing 41 STPs across villages. However, on-ground results are yet to materialize.
Recently, residents of Moshi and Chikhali reported yellowish, foul-smelling tap water, with some experiencing diarrhoea and stomach ailments. A delegation met PCMC water supply officials on February 10, receiving promises of remedial steps. Similarly, Alandi residents submitted a detailed representation to the Pune district administration this month, alleging rampant dumping of untreated sewage, construction rubble, immersion waste, and other pollutants into the river. "It is threatening both public safety and the fragile river ecosystem, drastically degrading water quality and narrowing the natural flow," they highlighted.
Activist Concerns and Environmental Impact
Arjun Medankar, activist and president of the Alandi Janhit Foundation, pointed out that construction activities flouting blue line regulations are eroding banks and damaging ghats. "Incomplete bridge works and poor planning have resulted in financial losses without delivering usable infrastructure," he said. Residents fear the situation could worsen during the monsoon, increasing flood risks in low-lying areas. "The river is treated as a dumping ground in the name of development. Cosmetic beautification works are prioritised over scientific management and sewage treatment," Medankar added.
Earlier this month, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) officials conducted water quality inspections at multiple locations along the river. Vitthal Shinde, president of the Indrayani Seva Foundation, noted, "CPCB officials collected water samples from Ramdara stream in Chikhali, which we believe is responsible for 80% of pollution in the Indrayani. But we have no idea what the results were as these have not yet been made public. We have been meeting officials and politicians for years now and there is no resolution in sight."
Public Health and Pilgrimage Risks
Environmental degradation of the river heightens public health concerns, especially during peak pilgrimage periods when thousands of devotees take holy dips. Alandi sees a massive influx of pilgrims in summer, prompting residents to urge administrative action beforehand. Their demands include:
- Immediate halt to dumping activities
- Diversion of untreated sewage
- Restoration of river banks
- Strict enforcement of environmental norms
Citizens stress that coordinated action among civic bodies and consultation with experts are crucial, warning that failure to act could cause irreversible damage to the river.
Official Assessments and Proposed Solutions
A survey by MPCB in October 2025 revealed significant volumes of untreated sewage released into the Indrayani at multiple locations. A senior MPCB official, speaking anonymously, said, "Lakhs of litres of untreated sewage from municipal councils of Lonavala, Dehu and Alandi are being released into the river daily. There are some points where industrial effluents are released too. We served notices to these local bodies and also charged fines, but it did not improve the situation on ground."
Manchak Jadhav, sub-regional officer of MPCB, noted that untreated sewage discharge by local bodies was discussed in the recent meeting. "PMRDA is implementing a large-scale plan to set up STPs in those areas. Once these are operational, the problem will be resolved," he said. Regarding industrial effluent allegations, he claimed no major industries exist along the stretch but promised inspections and action for any violations.
Nearly 30% of PCMC's population depends on water from the Nighoje bund on the Indrayani, while 70% relies on the Pavana river dam. A senior civic official explained that water quality deteriorates when levels dip, increasing algae concentration. "We requested the irrigation department during the meeting to maintain adequate discharge from the dam into the bund, and they assured cooperation," the official said. During such periods, PCMC increases chemical dosages for purification, which may cause a temporary yellowish tinge in treated water, though it remains potable.
To improve water quality and reduce dependence on river flow, PCMC has proposed laying a direct pipeline from Andra dam to its limits. A detailed project report was prepared a year ago, but a proposal for land transfer from the irrigation department has been pending for over six months, delaying implementation.
