Pune: Mass Fish Death in Pimple Nilakh Raises Alarm Over Suspected River Pollution

Pune, 12th September 2026: A large number of fish were found dead in the Mula river at Pimple Nilakh on Friday, raising concerns over the suspected discharge of untreated and chemically contaminated wastewater into the river.

The incident has triggered anger among environmental activists, who alleged that untreated chemical and toxic waste from some illegal factories, commercial establishments and sewage treatment plants (STPs) may have been discharged directly into the river.

The deaths are particularly alarming as the river has a high flow during the monsoon. Despite this, a large number of dead fish were seen floating on the water surface near Ingawale Chowk in Pimple Nilakh.

Environmentalists suspect that the contaminated water caused a sharp drop in dissolved oxygen levels in the river, resulting in the death of the fish.

The incident has also led to a foul smell in the Ingawale Chowk and adjoining riverside areas, raising concerns over the health of residents, particularly children and senior citizens.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Youth Wing state president Raviraj Kale alleged that administrative apathy and negligence by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had emboldened polluters. He demanded immediate action against those responsible for discharging untreated and toxic wastewater into the river.

Kale demanded that the civic environment department and MPCB officials visit the spot, collect water samples and send them for laboratory testing. He also sought action under environmental protection laws against factories and other establishments found responsible for the pollution.

He further demanded that a special patrolling team be deployed along the riverbank and that the civic health department immediately remove and safely dispose of the dead fish to prevent the spread of disease.

“Seeing such a large number of fish floating dead despite the strong flow of water in the river during the monsoon is a serious concern. The administration must identify those responsible for releasing polluted water into the river,” Kale said.

He warned that the AAP would launch a protest if the civic administration and pollution control authorities failed to take immediate cognisance of the incident.