Water Pollution and Beyond in Mutha River, Pune, India

Not long ago, together with an international group of nine youths, we partnered with Gomukh (a local Pune based NGO working for conservation of natural resources) to explore the issue of natural heritage and urban biodiversity in the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India.

We went to the Mutha riverside of Pune and we were briefed about the river. Many of us observed the existing environmental problems located along the river including waste and sewage disposal, open air burning, illegal dumping, over-grazing of cattle and etc.

Besides, it was observed that local Pune people (both children and adults) were taking public bath in the river even though the water was potentially polluted with dumping materials and other sources of contaminants.  

Furthermore, the uncontrolled spread of invasive weeds along the river mouth is another major threat which can be harmful to the rich biodiversity of species of flora and fauna living within it.

Our main discussions revolved within the Mutha River as we realise that the river has a lot of economic potential yet it has not been discovered in the nearby communities. All of us feel that viable solutions should be done towards utilising the river and the surrounding areas. 

What would be your suggestions in order to make the local people to realise that the river belongs to them and they should be the one held responsible to take care of it?