Indrayani River (Maharashtra)
Context
A significant fish mortality incident has been reported in the Indrayani River near the Alandi temple in Pune district. The event follows a similar ecological die-off recently observed in the Mula River.
Geographical Profile
- The Indrayani is a rain fed river of Maharashtra and is regarded as sacred, with religious, cultural and ecological importance in the Western Ghats & Deccan Plateau region.
- Source: The river rises near Kurvande village, close to Lonavala, in the Sahyadri ranges of Pune district.
- Course: It flows generally eastward through Pune district, largely to the north of Pune city.
- During its course, it passes through the important pilgrimage centres of Dehu and Alandi.
- Tributary system: The Indrayani is an important tributary of the Bhima River, which is itself part of the Krishna River system.
Important Features
Valvan Dam:
The Valvan Dam near Lonavala impounds the river and creates Valvan Lake. The associated water infrastructure is used for hydroelectric power generation and water supply to nearby areas.
Religious and Cultural Importance:
The river has a close association with Maharashtra’s Varkari tradition and is considered a sacred stream. Large numbers of pilgrims are associated with the Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage every year.
Seasonal Flow Pattern:
As a rain fed river, the Indrayani witnesses strong currents and increased discharge during the southwest monsoon. Its flow declines during the summer and pre monsoon period, when lean baseflows prevail.
Urban Industrial Pressure:
The river passes through areas with substantial urbanisation and industrial activity, including the Talegaon – Chakan industrial cluster and the Pimpri – Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area.
Environmental Concerns
- Discharge from industrial drains and municipal sewage can increase BOD and COD levels in the river.
- Higher oxygen demand can produce hypoxic conditions, depriving aquatic organisms of sufficient oxygen and potentially resulting in fish deaths.
- Bacterial contamination, nitrate enrichment and chemical pollution can also create health risks for devotees who undertake ritual bathing (snan) at the Dehu and Alandi ghats.