A large number of dead fish were found floating in the Mula River near Pimple Nilakh on Sunday, raising concerns about ongoing water contamination in the region. This incident highlights the recurring issue of fish deaths in the Mula, Pavana, and Indrayani rivers, which has been a persistent problem in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area. Environmental activists have long been calling for concrete steps to address river pollution, rather than focusing solely on beautification projects.
Civic activist Raviraj Kale has filed a complaint with the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), urging the administration and the environment department to take swift action. “The deaths occurred due to chemical contamination in the river water. The civic body must act immediately to prevent further pollution,” Kale stated.
According to the PCMC’s Environment Status Report (ESR), the Mula, Pavana, and Indrayani rivers remain polluted throughout the year. The report attributes this to untreated domestic and industrial waste being regularly discharged into the rivers. Despite this, PCMC has recently received environmental clearance for its River Rejuvenation Project (RRP) from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), aimed at restoring the health of the Mula and Indrayani rivers.
Environmentalist Prashant Raut explained that declining levels of dissolved oxygen, caused by increased pollution, is a major factor leading to the deaths of aquatic life. “When pollutants enter the water, bacteria thrive on them, leading to a rise in their numbers. This increases the demand for oxygen, which depletes the dissolved oxygen available to fish and other aquatic organisms, causing them to suffocate,” he said. Raut also noted that the contaminated water might have originated from areas outside the PCMC’s jurisdiction, possibly from nearby industrial zones like Hinjewadi.
PCMC’s environment department head, Sanjay Kulkarni, confirmed that water samples have been collected for laboratory analysis. “We are conducting an investigation and will take appropriate action based on the results. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has also been informed, and their officials will visit the site for further assessment,” Kulkarni said.
This latest incident underscores the need for immediate and effective measures to curb river pollution, ensuring the protection of aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystem
Source: Hindustan Times
