Pune News: Presence of toxic foam on Indrayani River sparks concerns among environmental activists and citizens
Pune News: Presence of toxic foam on Indrayani River sparks concerns among environmental activists and citizens
Pune- Both citizens and environmental activists have raised concerns regarding a layer of toxic foam visible on the Indrayani River. They have urged the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to take immediate action against those responsible.
According to some citizens and activists, the foam may be caused due to toxic waste that is released in the river from several industries and untreated water from laundries entering the river. The Ashadhi Wari Palkhi is only a few days away and after the commencement of their procession, the Warkaris arrive at the temple towns of Alandi and Dehu. If the pollution is not ceased by then, the layer of toxic foam on the river will be present where they perform holy rituals.
Though Alandi and Dehu are major pilgrimage sites and have a certain religious significance, this issue has not been taken care of and the situation remains unchanged. The district collector, Rajesh Deshmukh, had called for action earlier in June but the problem still plagues the sacred river. According to an environmental activist, this issue has received little to no attention from PCMC or MPCB. They are trying to cover it up by deploying teams to release antifoaming agents in the river instead of taking steps to prevent pollution.
The head of the environment department at PCMC has stated that the prime reason behind the pollution of the river is the industries. They had deployed squads to inspect the matter but PCMC has minimal control over the pollution of the Indrayani River. MPCB claims to have a shortage of staff but PCMC can provide help in the form of manpower. Joint efforts are needed to take action as MPCB has comparatively more authority and power.
