Tejas Navale

Pune: With less than a month remaining for Aashadhi Vaari, the pollution in the Indrayani River presents a grim picture. The river remains heavily polluted, and the growing problem of water hyacinth is worsening each day. This poses a significant threat to the devotees who traditionally drink the river's water as a part of their faith during Aashadhi Vaari.

On June 28, on the occasion of the Aashadhi Vaari, the palanquin of Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj will head from Dehu towards Pandharpur. Amidst these preparations, villagers and devotees are raising concerns about when the polluted Indrayani River will be cleansed.

A few years ago, the Dehu Gram Panchayat had effectively managed the situation, preventing the proliferation of water hyacinth in the river. However, in the past two to three years, the water hyacinth issue has become more severe, posing a direct threat to devotees who bathe in and drink from the river as part of their faith.

The problem extends beyond the Indrayani River to places like Deulwada and Vaikunthsthan, where water hyacinth is causing serious health issues for the villagers. The presence of various wastes and industrial effluents is exacerbating the situation.

A few months ago, industrial waste contamination in the Indrayani River became a prominent issue, causing the river to appear as if covered in snow. Despite this alarming situation, no government action was taken on it.

Nivedita Gharge, the Chief Executive Officer of Dehu Gram Panchayat, commented on the situation and assured the people of the completion of the waste removal from the river before Aashadhi Vaari. She said, "We have initiated the removal of water hyacinth and other waste from the Indrayani River, and this task will be completed before June 28."