Hinjewadi’s Blue Ridge Township, a bustling residential hub in Pune, finds itself embroiled in a prolonged struggle with severe water contamination issues, much to the dismay of its residents. Despite multiple layers of filtration systems in place, water sourced from the Mula river remains alarmingly polluted, rendering it unfit for consumption and daily use.
Residents have voiced deep concerns over the deteriorating quality of water supplied to their homes, citing instances of visible contaminants such as bloodworms, foul odors, and persistent muddy appearances. This ongoing issue, initially raised by residents in February this year, continues unabated, significantly impacting the daily lives and health of thousands of families residing in the township. “We are forced to rely on bottled water for drinking purposes due to the unsuitability of the supplied water,” lamented one resident, highlighting the nauseating stench and murky consistency of the water. “Even for basic activities like bathing and washing utensils, we are compelled to use this substandard water, which poses risks of infections and other health hazards,” the resident added. The township, comprising 26 towers, each equipped with its own water treatment plant alongside a centralized facility, struggles to effectively purify the river water despite rigorous filtration measures. Reports of red bloodworms appearing in filtration systems have become distressingly frequent, reflecting the severity of the contamination issue.
Residents point out that the upstream discharge of sewage from neighboring societies exacerbates the pollution levels in the Mula river, complicating efforts to maintain water quality standards. “The scale of contamination is alarming, surpassing the capabilities of existing treatment infrastructure,” noted resident Rajeev Singh, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive, long-term solutions to mitigate river pollution. Efforts to engage with local authorities and developers for a resolution have yielded limited results, leaving residents disillusioned with the efficacy of current mitigation measures. Despite individual households investing in additional filtration systems, concerns persist regarding the adequacy of these measures in ensuring safe and potable water supply. As the township anticipates further residential expansions, the need for sustainable water management strategies becomes increasingly imperative to safeguard public health and environmental sustainability. The plight of Hinjewadi’s residents underscores the broader challenges in urban water management amidst escalating pollution pressures.
