Pune News: Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge To Address Indrayani River Pollution In Monsoon Session

June 25, 2024, Pimpri 

The pollution and revitalization of the Indrayani River has become a critical issue for Pimpri-Chinchwad and surrounding areas. BJP MLA Mahesh Landge emphasized that effective implementation of a ‘Common Action Plan’ by various governmental bodies is essential to free the river from pollution.

Pimpri-Chinchwad city, with a population of over 3 million, is traversed by the Indrayani and Pavana rivers, which suffer from extensive pollution due to sewage, solid waste, and plastic waste disposal. This pollution threatens aquatic life and poses public health risks. To address this, a project consultant was appointed in 2018 to develop and implement a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the river’s revitalization.

The 20.6 km stretch of the Indrayani River within the city falls under the jurisdiction of both the municipal corporation and the PMRDA. Thus, the river improvement project requires joint execution, with necessary clearances and funding allocations. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has proposed sewage treatment plants along the river, and efforts to remove encroachments from the riverbed are underway.

However, to achieve significant progress, the Lonavala, Wadgaon, Talegaon Dabhade, Dehu Road, Dehu, and Alandi councils, along with the PMRDA, MIDC, and district administration, must collaborate on this project. Local self-governance bodies from the river’s origin to its confluence at Wadhu-Tulapur bear responsibility for addressing pollution.

The revitalization project includes riverbank beautification, flood control measures, sewage interception, and pumping stations, among other facilities. Plans also propose developing parks, cycling paths, footpaths, and recreational centers along the riverbank.

Currently, project consultants have completed comprehensive surveys and prepared a master plan. Environmental clearance from the state’s environment department is pending, after which tenders will be issued to commence work. The project seeks approval under the central government’s AMRUT 2.0 program, with state government support necessary for further progress. MLA Mahesh Landge plans to highlight these issues in the upcoming assembly session to draw the state government’s attention.