Promises tank, politicians fail, pollution rises in Indrayani river

Pune: Large stretches of the Indrayani river near Alandi are covered with thick white toxic foam since the last several weeks and dead fish have been found floating along the banks in a grim indicator of rising pollution levels.It has left residents as well as environmental groups furious with the "prolonged lethargy and empty assurances" of govt departments for allowing the river, revered by lakhs of pilgrims and central to the cultural identity of western Maharashtra, to turn into a toxic water body.
Locals said that over the last two months, the water has turned blackish with chemical froth floating over it. Several residents of Alandi told TOI: "It isn't sudden. The change has happened over years. Authorities show concern only when there is public outrage or media attention. Otherwise, untreated sewage, industrial effluents and chemical waste are discharged freely into the river, primarily from upstream urban pockets in the Pune Municipal Corporation limits."Environmental activist Arjun Medankar of Alandi said, "The foam itself tells the story. This is chemical pollution. Fish dying is the final warning."Residents have accused officials of downplaying the severity of the crisis and resorting to cosmetic measures instead of long-term solutions. The continued pollution has deepened public distrust in civic bodies, the pollution control board and river conservation agencies. Additionally, environmentalists warned that unless strict enforcement and accountability were introduced immediately, the Indrayani river could face irreversible ecological damage.The Indrayani is not only an ecological lifeline, but a major pilgrimage route — particularly during the wari, when lakhs of devotees walk to Pandharpur. Locals feared that the deteriorating water quality posed a serious health risk to pilgrims and nearby villagers.Several ministers have visited Alandi over the last five years and promised swift action and pollution-free waters. In fact, the state govt even announced the Indrayani River Rejuvenation Project at over Rs670 crore. However, residents said little had changed on the ground.Lawyer activist Vilas Kate told TOI: "Project reports were prepared, approved, revised and resubmitted, but the actual execution never came. Officials cited procedural delays, extended tendering processes and lack of coordination between central and state agencies. All this reflects the lethargic attitude of officials, who are evidently not serious about the issue."Somnath Gaikwad, who runs a sports shop in the town, said, "Files are moving, but the river is dying. How long will officials and politicians hide behind paperwork?"Meanwhile, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials said they had mainly found untreated sewage water in the river. MPCB's sub-regional officer NS Aautade told TOI: "Over the last two days, we have inspected multiple stretches in the river and collected water samples from eight spots. We will know about the pollution once we get the final laboratory reports."Resident Swapnil Kamble said, "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 residents are especially angry with political assurances failing to translate into action. Many feared that without sustained pressure, the issue would once again fade from official priority lists until the next crisis erupted.A resident said, "The Indrayani doesn't need any more visits or statements. It needs action. And it needed it years ago."The newly elected president of the Alandi municipal council, Prashant Kurhade, told TOI: "We have decided to hold a comprehensive drive to clean the river bed over the next fortnight. We appeal to residents that they participate."
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