Pune, 2nd April 2026: Residents of several premium townships and housing societies in Hinjawadi, are facing a serious health concern as contaminated and foul-smelling water continues to flow through their taps.
In many cases, the water appears blackish, raising alarm among hundreds of families dependent on this supply.
The issue is closely tied to the deteriorating condition of the Mula River, which has become heavily polluted due to the unchecked discharge of untreated sewage and waste.
Wastewater from nearby villages and multiple residential projects is being released directly into the river without proper treatment. The river is also heavily covered with water hyacinth, indicating severe ecological degradation.
Several large residential societies located along the riverbank rely on this water source. Although the water is treated and filtered within these townships, residents say the process is inadequate. They continue to receive water with a strong odor and, at times, visible impurities such as microorganisms and algae.
“Residents here are completely dependent on river water. Its quality has deteriorated significantly due to untreated sewage being released directly into it. The water is no longer safe for consumption, and it is directly affecting our health,” said Hemant Pandit, a resident of Blue Ridge Society.
The problem is further aggravated by the poor maintenance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). While regulations mandate STPs for large construction projects, many of these systems stop functioning effectively once the developer hands over the society to residents. As a result, untreated wastewater continues to enter the river.
“Due to river pollution, residents of Blue Ridge and other societies are facing serious health risks. The PMRDA must finalize the development plan and restrict further construction. Land should be reserved for STP projects, and they must be made operational at the earliest. Despite repeated demands, there has been no action,” said Vikram Sakhare, former sarpanch of Hinjawadi.