Thousands of dead fish were discovered floating in the Mula-Mutha River near Naik Bet, an island located at Bund Garden, sparking concerns about pollution. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials visited the site on Monday to investigate and collected water samples for analysis.
The incident was brought to public attention by Prajkta Mahajan, a member of the Pune River Revival citizen group, who shared the news on social media. In her post, Mahajan mentioned that volunteers Amitraj and Nishad Sevekari documented the dead fish on Sunday. The fish were found floating along the riverbank, from the Naidu STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) outlet to Bund Garden. Mahajan alleged that chemical contamination might have caused the deaths, citing reports of a foul odor in the water.
Fish deaths linked to water contamination have been a recurring issue in rivers like Mula, Pavana, and Indrayani, particularly in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area. Activists have repeatedly called for stronger measures to tackle river pollution, emphasizing the need for effective solutions over beautification projects.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of river conservation and the urgent need for authorities to prioritize water quality and ecosystem health.
