Hinjawadi, 22nd March 2026: Residents of the Blueridge Township in Hinjawadi have raised serious concerns over alleged contamination in the Mula River, the townshipтАЩs only water source, warning that the situation could pose a significant public health risk if immediate action is not taken.
In a formal complaint dated March 21, resident Vikas Laxman Apte highlighted that the township houses around 5,000 flats with an estimated population of nearly 15,000 people, including children, senior citizens, and individuals from all age groups. As the entire township depends on water drawn from the Mula River, the reported deterioration in water quality has triggered alarm among residents.
According to the complaint, the reservoir area from where water is sourced is almost completely covered with water hyacinth. The excessive growth of the aquatic plant is believed to have disrupted water flow, reduced oxygen levels in the water, and led to the accumulation of organic matter, significantly affecting water quality.
Residents have reportedly observed several indicators of pollution in the water body. These include the presence of red worms identified as chironomid larvae, which typically thrive in low-oxygen and highly polluted environments rich in organic waste. The complaint also flags the possibility of microbiological contamination, including E. coli and coliform bacteria, which are commonly associated with sewage pollution.
Additional concerns mentioned include a foul odour and a yellowish colour in the water, both considered signs of deteriorating water quality. Under the Bureau of Indian StandardsтАЩ IS 10500 specification for drinking water, potable water must be free from E. coli and coliform bacteria.
Residents warn that such contamination could lead to water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, typhoid, and skin or eye infections. Vulnerable groups including children, senior citizens, pregnant and lactating women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are considered particularly at risk.
The complaint also notes that the spread of water hyacinth is affecting the functioning of the jackwell pump, raising fears that the townshipтАЩs water supply could face disruptions if the issue remains unresolved.
Despite repeated concerns raised by residents, they claim that no effective remedial measures have been implemented so far. Given that the river serves as the only water source for the large residential population, residents have described the situation as both alarming and unacceptable.
They have urged authorities to take urgent steps including immediate removal of water hyacinth and cleaning of the reservoir, comprehensive water quality testing for parameters such as E. coli, total coliforms, BOD and COD, and implementation of emergency disinfection and purification measures. Residents have also called for a long-term monitoring and maintenance mechanism, along with accountability for delays in addressing the issue.
The residents have requested authorities to treat the matter as a public health emergency affecting nearly 15,000 people and to present a time-bound action plan along with a detailed inspection report at the earliest.
The post Pune: Hinjawadi Water Crisis? Residents Warn of Pollution in Mula River Supplying Blueridge Township appeared first on Punekar News.
