Battle for the Indrayani: PCMC and Alandi Municipal Council Lock Horns Over Pollution Crisis

Varad Bhatkhande

Alandi, 3rd January 2024: Today morning, the holy Indrayani River in Alandi, a significant pilgrimage site in Maharashtra, once again witnessed pollution foams, indicating the ongoing environmental crisis despite measures taken by the state government and local authorities. The Indrayani River holds immense historical and cultural importance, but its deteriorating condition raises concerns about the well-being of the river and the communities relying on it.

The Maharashtra government, led by School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, acknowledged the escalating pollution issue on December 26, 2023. Minister Kesarkar urgently ordered a halt to the release of untreated sewage into the river, emphasising the cultural significance of the Indrayani. His directives included immediate measures for wastewater management in housing societies, warnings of punitive actions for negligence, and an emphasis on installing sewage treatment plants.

However, despite these efforts, the pollution levels in the Indrayani River persist. The consequences of river pollution extend beyond environmental concerns, impacting citizens’ health and overall quality of life. Contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases, affecting public health and causing long-term health issues. Additionally, polluted rivers harm aquatic ecosystems, disrupt biodiversity, and compromise the availability of safe drinking water.

Rivers in Indian urban areas, such as Pimpri Chinchwad’s Indrayani River, face pollution from various sources, including unregulated industrial discharges, untreated sewage, improper waste disposal, agricultural runoff, urban runoff, encroachments, and lax regulations. Addressing this complex issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving improved infrastructure, strict industrial regulations, proper waste management, and community awareness for sustainable urban planning and environmental conservation.

Regarding this, the Chief Officer of Alandi Municipal Council, Kailash Kendre, commented, “This situation keeps happening time after time. In Alandi, water comes through the PCMC area. Until the river reaches the Chikhali Kudalwadi area, it gets polluted due to various reasons. We have a big embankment here, and when the river water falls from it, the water turns foamy. We are coordinating with other authorities to solve this issue.”

Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) in Maharashtra, which combines industrial and residential areas, faces challenges due to industrial discharges and rapid urbanization. Inadequate waste management further heightens pollution risks, necessitating strict regulations, improved infrastructure, and community awareness.

Regarding this, PCMC’s Joint City Engineer (Environment) Sanjay Kulkarni stated, “Today, we didn’t observe anything in our area. There haven’t been any reports since this morning. We have implemented measures like intercepted sewers and provided guidelines on sewage water dispersion in rivers. Some areas between PCMC and Alandi Municipal Council fall under PMRDA. Various unofficial constructions and other activities are occurring, leading to water mixing. Foaming doesn’t occur every day; it happens only when there’s additional discharge in the river.”

The ongoing blame game between PCMC and Alandi Municipal Council has placed residents in a challenging situation, bearing the brunt of the pollution’s consequences. They are grappling with health problems, and enduring unpleasant river odours. Additionally, the historical and cultural sentiments associated with the river are being adversely affected by this situation.

In response, the President of Chikhali-Moshi-Pimpri Chinchwad City Housing Society Federation Sanjivan Sangale expressed concern, stating, “We reside along the sacred banks of the Indrayani River, blessed by Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. Many companies release chemical-laden water into the Indrayani, affecting its purity and causing the death of fish. Despite our correspondence with PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh and Joint City Engineer Sanjay Kulkarni, no action has been taken. Devotees face difficulties, and if stringent measures aren’t taken, we will take the polluted water to the PCMC officials for their attention.”

The residents are now urging authorities to take decisive actions to safeguard the Indrayani River, a vital lifeline for the cultural and environmental heritage of the region.