Pimpri-Chinchwad Residents Protest Indrayani River Pollution
Residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad gathered at Moi Phata on Sunday to protest against the escalating pollution of the Indrayani River and the ongoing riverfront development project.
The river, which holds religious significance and flows through pilgrimage centres like Dehu and Alandi, has been plagued by untreated sewage, chemical waste, and encroachments, leading to severe environmental degradation.​ The protestors highlighted the dire state of the Ramzhara stream, which joins the Indrayani River at Moi Phata. Once a natural watercourse, the stream has transformed into a sewer, filled with construction debris, plastic waste, and contaminated water. Despite previous actions taken by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) against scrap dealers in Kudalwadi and Chikhli, the pollution persists, indicating a lack of effective enforcement and long-term solutions.​
The Indrayani River is not only a vital water source but also a sacred site for millions of devotees who visit annually. The administration’s inaction jeopardizes public health, as untreated sewage continues to flow into the river, and the riverbed is increasingly encroached upon.​ In response to the pollution, the PCMC has initiated the Indrayani Riverfront Development Project, which includes the construction of an effluent treatment plant at Kudalwadi with a capacity to treat three million litres of wastewater per day. The plant aims to prevent the discharge of chemically contaminated water into the river and promote the reuse of treated water. However, residents argue that the project focuses more on beautification than on addressing the root causes of pollution, such as untreated sewage and industrial waste.​
Environmental experts have raised concerns about the ecological impact of the riverfront development, particularly the filling of the riverbed, which obstructs the river’s natural flow and increases the risk of flooding during the monsoon season. Additionally, the loss of biodiversity and the cutting of trees along the riverbanks further exacerbate the environmental crisis.​ The protestors have demanded that the authorities prioritize the treatment of sewage before its release into the river, preserve the natural flow of the river, and halt the encroachment and destruction of the river’s ecosystem. They have also called for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the riverfront development project.​
The Indrayani River’s plight underscores a broader issue of environmental mismanagement and the need for sustainable urban planning. As cities like Pimpri-Chinchwad continue to grow, it is imperative that development projects consider the long-term health of natural resources and the well-being of residents. The ongoing protests reflect a growing public demand for responsible governance and environmental stewardship.​ The situation remains fluid, with authorities yet to respond decisively to the concerns raised by the community. As the protests continue, the hope is that they will catalyze meaningful action to restore the Indrayani River to its former glory and ensure its preservation for future generations.
