Alandi, 24th June 2024: As the revered Palkhi Ceremony in Pune District approaches, concerns are escalating due to severe pollution in the Indrayani River at Alandi. Early this morning, pollution levels were noticeably high, with foam accumulating near the river basin close to the Shree Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Mandir, a significant spot where many Warkaris bathe as part of their devotional practices. This development follows recent warnings from the trustees of Alandi about potential agitation over the ongoing pollution issue.
The Indrayani River has long been afflicted by pollution, with administrative efforts to tackle the problem falling short. Despite assurances from Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, to clean up the river, tangible improvements remain absent. The river, frequently seen with foam indicative of chemical pollution, is in a dire state just five days before the departure of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s Palkhi from Alandi on June 29th.
The trustees of Alandi have voiced increasing frustration over the persistent pollution, raising the issue in multiple meetings with the District Collector and sending several letters to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). They allege that the administration is turning a blind eye to their concerns.
Sources indicate that the severe pollution in the Indrayani River stems from untreated sewage, industrial discharges, improper waste disposal, agricultural and urban runoff, and encroachments. Inadequate infrastructure and weak regulation enforcement exacerbate the problem, leading to health issues, disrupted ecosystems, and compromised cultural heritage. Despite directives from authorities to halt sewage discharge and improve wastewater management, the pollution persists. A lack of coordination and ongoing blame-shifting between the PCMC, PMRDA, and Alandi Municipal Council further obstruct effective solutions, leaving residents to bear the brunt of the consequences.
As the river flows into Alandi, it strikes an embankment, and the polluted water creates a whitish foam as it cascades, starkly highlighting the extent of the contamination. Efforts to gather information on pollution prevention measures before the Palkhi Sohla begins were unsuccessful, raising further concerns about the effectiveness of administrative actions.
With the Palkhi Ceremony imminent, the urgent need for concrete and immediate measures to address the pollution in the Indrayani River has never been clearer. The health and safety of devotees and the preservation of cultural heritage depend on swift and decisive action from the authorities.
