Pune: Chronic Blanket of Water Hyacinth Smothers Mula River, Sparks Health Concerns

Pune: A thick blanket of water hyacinth has completely covered the Mula River near Holkar Bridge, raising alarms among residents and activists. Locals allege that authorities have done little to clean the vital waterbody despite repeated complaints. The invasive weed, a major bio-indicator of organic pollution, has choked the river, turning it into a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

A frequent visitor to the nearby riverside garden, expressed frustration, saying, “The river has disappeared under this vegetation. Mosquito swarms are a constant menace here, posing serious health risks.” Residents fear the spread of malaria, dengue, and chikungunya due to the unchecked growth of water hyacinth.

Activists highlight that over 50% of Pune’s untreated sewage continues to flow into its rivers, exacerbating pollution. Despite the ongoing Mula-Mutha Pollution Abatement Project, progress remains sluggish, leaving the river in a dire state.