Pune: Thousands of fish were found dead in Mula-Mutha River near the Naik Bet (island) area. The deaths are suspected to have been caused by chemical-contaminated water flowing into the river, which has raised serious concerns about pollution and public health. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated an investigation to determine the source of the contamination.

The Mula and Mutha Rivers, which converge at Sangamwadi, have long been subjected to pollution due to untreated sewage and industrial effluents. Pune generates approximately 900 MLD (million liters per day) of sewage daily, of which only half undergoes treatment. The remaining untreated sewage flows directly into the rivers, severely degrading their quality.

Additionally, the Mula River receives untreated industrial wastewater from factories in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area. The discharge of toxic chemicals into the river has rendered its water hazardous for aquatic life.

Residents near Naik Bet reported a strong stench after noticing heaps of dead fish in the river. This incident has drawn attention to the PMC’s Naidu Sewage Treatment Plant, located nearby. However, an initial investigation found no evidence of untreated water being released from the plant. The Sewerage Department has also been instructed to check for leaks or damages in sewage pipelines.

PMC officials collected water samples from the site for laboratory testing. Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. stated, “We have sent water samples for analysis to identify the cause of the fish deaths. The report will be available within two to three days. Based on the findings, necessary action will be taken.”