Pune, India: A disturbing environmental crisis has unfolded in Pune as thousands of fish were discovered dead in the Mula-Mutha River near Naik Island. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken water samples for testing to determine the cause of the mass fish deaths. Officials suspect that the contamination may be due to harmful chemicals present in the water.
The Mula and Mutha rivers in Pune have long been plagued by pollution, with untreated sewage and industrial waste being major contributors. Data shows that Pune generates a staggering 900 million liters of sewage daily, but only half of it undergoes treatment before being released into the rivers. The untreated sewage continues to pollute the rivers, especially at their confluence at Sangamwadi.
The Mutha River is particularly affected by untreated sewage, while the Mula River faces additional threats from toxic chemical waste discharged by industries in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area. The combined pollution has made the water unsafe for aquatic life, leading to significant disruptions in the ecosystem.
The discovery of dead fish near Naik Island has caused a foul smell in the area, alarming residents. While the Naidu Sewage Treatment Plant is nearby, officials have confirmed that no untreated water from the plant has been found in the river so far.
Additional Commissioner Prithviraj BP has stated, “After learning about the fish deaths in the Mula-Mutha River, water samples were collected for testing. The results are expected in the next few days. Initial checks have not shown any untreated water discharge from the Naidu Sewage Treatment Plant. However, the sewage department is investigating if any sewage pipes have burst. Further action will be taken once the exact cause is determined.”
This incident sheds light on the severe water pollution issue in Pune’s rivers, despite efforts to treat sewage. With half of the city’s sewage untreated and industrial waste freely entering the rivers, the aquatic life is suffering. The PMC is now facing pressure to identify the source of contamination and implement stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Residents and environmental activists are demanding accountability and immediate action to restore the health of the rivers.
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