A large number of dead fish were discovered floating in the Pavana River near Kejubai bund on Thursday, raising alarm over water pollution in the region. Environmental activists criticized civic authorities for ignoring reports of “toxic foam” in the river over the past three days.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has ruled out chemical contamination as the primary cause of the fish deaths. According to MPCB officials, the deaths were likely due to a significant drop in dissolved oxygen levels caused by stagnant water in the river stretch.
For the past month, the irrigation department had halted water releases from Ravet bund to Kejubai bund, leaving the water stagnant. When fresh water was released from the Pavana Dam, it mixed with the stagnant water, creating foam as it cascaded down the height at Kejubai bund.
The MPCB has collected water samples for analysis. Initial findings suggest no chemical contamination; however, the board is examining whether detergents from nearby dry cleaning units contributed to the foam.
Nilesh Pingale, from the Thergaon Social Foundation, who first reported the incident to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), expressed frustration over the authorities’ inaction despite repeated complaints. “Many drainage lines are directly connected to the river without treatment, causing toxic foam and endangering aquatic life,” Pingale told Pune Pulse.
The PCMC stated that its jurisdictional checks found no immediate cause for the pollution and has requested the MPCB to continue the investigation.
As the MPCB conducts its detailed analysis, environmentalists and residents are urging immediate measures to prevent further ecological damage and ensure the safety of the river’s aquatic ecosystem.
Source: Pune pulse
