Pune: Dead Fish Found in Indrayani Near Dehu, Pollution Concerns Resurface Ahead of Palkhi

Dehu, 15th June 2026: The discovery of dozens of dead fish in the Indrayani River near Dehu on Saturday has once again brought the focus back on the river’s deteriorating condition, just weeks before the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage begins from the temple town.

Local residents and environmental volunteers noticed the dead fish during a clean-up drive along the riverbed and bridge area on Saturday morning. Activists alleged that the incident was another indication of the long-standing pollution affecting the river.

Dinkar Jadhav, a volunteer who was part of the clean-up drive, said several dead fish were found floating in the water while volunteers were collecting plastic waste from the riverbank. He said a similar incident had been reported last year and alleged that inadequate river-cleaning efforts had led to large stretches of the river being covered with water hyacinth.

The development has raised concern ahead of the Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession, scheduled to leave Dehu for Pandharpur on July 7. The Indrayani holds religious significance for the Warkari community, with devotees traditionally taking a holy dip and performing ‘teerth snaan’ in the river before joining the pilgrimage.

Jalindar Maharaj More, president and trustee of the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan, Dehu, said the trust has repeatedly raised concerns over recurring fish deaths and pollution in the river with local authorities and the state government. He said devotees have already been advised not to drink river water while performing ‘teerth snaan’, and similar advisories will be included in pamphlets and banners distributed ahead of the palkhi procession.

Dehu Municipal Council chief executive officer Chetan Konde said the fish deaths could be linked to a sharp decline in water levels caused by delayed rainfall and reduced water releases into the river. He added that the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is expected to set up two sewage treatment plants in Dehu.