Pune: A large number of fish were found dead in Indrayani river near Gopalpura in Alandi on Wednesday, triggering fresh concerns over pollution in the river considered sacred by devotees visiting Alandi and Dehu temples.Activists said fish deaths have become frequent in recent months, with the latest incident reported last month. They alleged that despite repeated assurances from local authorities and state govt, including the chief minister, little has changed on the ground to curb pollution.Nisar Sayyed, an Alandi resident and activist who spotted the dead fish on Wednesday, said similar incidents are being reported frequently in stretches near Moshi, Dudulgaon, Alandi, and Charholi. He alleged that authorities have repeatedly neglected pollution concerns linked to nearby industrial units, from which activists suspect chemicals are being discharged into the river.“A thick, oily layer was visible on the river on Wednesday, suggesting that chemicals may have been released into the water. Such layers can reduce dissolved oxygen levels, leading to fish deaths,” Sayyed said.He said residents and activists have been raising concerns about the river’s deteriorating condition for years, but no concrete solution has been implemented. “We have warned the authorities that if immediate steps are not taken, we will take the dead fish to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) office and dump them there. This will make officials understand the ground reality instead of remaining confined to their air-conditioned offices,” he said.The Indrayani pollution issue has been raised repeatedly by the temple authorities of Alandi and Dehu, along with local activists, during interactions with the chief minister. Although assurances have been given regarding long-term measures, residents said the situation remains unchanged.Originating in the Lonavala region, the river flows through several villages within Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) limits before entering Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area.Earlier this year, PCMC issued work orders for a river rejuvenation project that includes installation of several sewage treatment plants (STPs). The project was expected to be inaugurated by the chief minister, but it has been delayed and work is yet to begin on the ground.A senior PCMC official told TOI that surveys are underway and work will start after their completion, as work orders have already been issued. The official added that civic nuisance squads are inspecting nearby industrial units to check for violations and are initiating action against those found flouting norms.
