Untreated Sewage Polluting Pavana River; Serious Public Health Threat Emerges in Pimpri-Chinchwad

Pimpri-Chinchwad | A major environmental and public health crisis is unfolding in Pimpri-Chinchwad as untreated sewage allegedly continues to flow directly into the Pavana River, raising serious concerns among residents and activists.

Former corporator Tukaram Mahadu Bhondwe has intensified his protest by launching a hunger strike against what he terms as the “gross negligence” of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. He alleges that the civic body is failing to ensure proper sewage treatment, allowing contaminated wastewater to mix with the river unchecked.

According to protestors, sewage from multiple parts of the city is being discharged into the river without adequate processing, leading to alarming levels of pollution. Residents living near the riverbanks have reported rising cases of skin infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and other waterborne diseases, indicating a growing public health emergency.

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Bhondwe has demanded immediate strengthening of sewage treatment infrastructure and strict measures to prevent untreated water from entering the river. “This is no longer just an environmental issue; it has become a full-blown public health crisis. If urgent action is not taken, we will intensify our agitation,” he warned.

The agitation has garnered support from several local citizens and activists, including Rahul Kate, Suresh Ranavde, Shantaram Bhondwe, and Dattatray Bhondwe, who have joined the protest in solidarity.

With mounting public pressure, citizens are urging the civic administration to take swift and concrete action to curb pollution, safeguard the river ecosystem, and protect public health before the situation escalates further.

“Untreated sewage is being directly released into the Pavana River, severely impacting citizens’ health. Despite the rising threat of infectious diseases, the administration remains inactive. If immediate corrective measures are not implemented, our protest will only grow stronger. We will not tolerate this negligence.”

-Tukaram Bhondwe, Ex-Corporator.