Pune News: Citizens’ Protest Against Indrayani River Pollution And River Front Development Project
Pune News: Citizens' Protest Against Indrayani River Pollution And River front Development Project
The pollution of the Indrayani River is increasing day by day, with the river frequently foaming, raising health concerns for residents along its banks and affecting the city’s overall well-being.
To address this issue, citizens of Pimpri-Chinchwad staged a protest on Sunday, May 4, at the banks of the Indrayani River near Moi Phata.
At Moi Phata, the Ramzhara stream, flowing through Kudalwadi and Chikhali, joins the Indrayani River. However, this stream has now turned into a sewer, filled with construction debris, plastic waste, and contaminated water.
Three months ago, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) took action against scrap dealers in Kudalwadi and Chikhali, citing their role in polluting the river. Despite this, the polluted water flow has not reduced, highlighting the administration’s negligence toward the issue.
The Indrayani River is home to significant religious sites like Dehu and Alandi, attracting lakhs of devotees and pilgrims annually.
These visitors consume the polluted river water as holy water (tirth), putting their health at risk.
The administration’s inaction could lead to serious health issues in the future. Untreated sewage water from drains is directly released into the river without any treatment.
The protesters demanded that the Indrayani River be cleaned, sewage water be fully treated before being released into the river, and the river’s natural flow be preserved. Environment-conscious citizens held posters and raised slogans to urge authorities to reduce river pollution. They also highlighted issues like the cutting of trees along the riverbanks, loss of biodiversity, and the risk of flooding during the monsoon.
Through the PCMC, a river front development project is being implemented, but it prioritizes beautification over treating polluted water. Additionally, filling the riverbed is obstructing the river’s natural flow. As a result, citizens have been consistently protesting for months, with growing public support for the movement.
