A concerning incident has unfolded along the Godavari River in Nanded, as thousands of dead fishes were discovered on Monday, reigniting worries about pollution in the river. This distressing event has once again brought to light the persistent issue of pollution plaguing the river despite significant efforts to address it.
The discovery of dead fishes in such large numbers has stirred sensation in the surrounding areas, prompting renewed calls for action to combat pollution in the Godavari River. This incident marks a recurrence, reminiscent of a similar event observed at Bandhaghat on the Godavari River back in 2020.
Efforts to address pollution in the Godavari River date back to 1999 when cleaning initiatives were initiated with a funding of ₹13 crores from the central government. The Jiwan Pradhikaran took charge of the cleaning efforts, targeting the 13 nullahas (drainage channels) originating from Nanded city. These nullahas, discharging drainage water into the river, pose a significant threat to aquatic life.
To mitigate this problem, a sewage water management plant was established at Bhondhar, spanning approximately 110 acres of land. Despite these measures and considerable investments, pollution levels in the Godavari River have shown little signs of improvement. A staggering ₹150 crores have been expended in attempts to make the river pollution-free, yet the pollution persists.
The recurrence of fish die-offs underscores the urgency of addressing pollution in the Godavari River comprehensively. It necessitates concerted efforts from authorities, environmental agencies, and local communities to identify and rectify the sources of pollution. Additionally, there is a need for strict enforcement of pollution control measures and enhanced monitoring to safeguard the health of the river ecosystem and the livelihoods dependent on it.
The recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in preserving the ecological integrity of the Godavari River and underscores the imperative for sustained action to ensure its long-term health and vitality.
