Pune: Pashan Lake is not the only water body in the city suffering from neglect. Residents living near Katraj and Jambhulwadi lakes have highlighted a similar crisis — unchecked release of untreated sewage and rampant garbage dumping, leading to severe mosquito menace and ecological damage.Local elected representatives claimed that despite repeated follow-ups regarding installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and water purification units, the projects remain on “slow track.” The delay has led to rapid spread of water hyacinth and significant threat to aquatic life.The issue gained momentum following a recent visit by municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to Pashan Lake. Upon finding an STP functioning properly but the surrounding area buried in dumped garbage, the commissioner suspended four officials for negligence. Former corporators now argue that Katraj and Jambhulwadi deserve similar administrative scrutiny.“The situation is just as dire at Katraj and Jambhulwadi,” said Yuvraj Beldare, a former corporator from Katraj area. “There is complete ignorance towards their upkeep. At Jambhulwadi, drainage lines were laid but never properly connected to the system, and garbage dumping continues unabated. At Katraj, the lone STP is insufficient to handle the volume of inflow. Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) current approach seems to benefit contractors more than the citizens.“The jurisdictional status of Jambhulwadi Lake has also contributed to the delay. Sources indicated that PMC and the irrigation department were initially reluctant to take responsibility for its cleaning. However, a proposal is now on the table to formally hand the lake over to the PMC.Local resident Arun Konde pointed out lack of scientific planning in previous maintenance attempts. “Last year, the PMC cleared silt from Katraj Lake but failed to dispose of it properly. It eventually mixed back into the water. This shows a total lack of coordination and technical oversight,” he said.Former corporator Vasant More added that geography has played a role in the pollution. “Sewage from the surrounding hill areas flows directly into Katraj Lake. We have urged the administration to construct dedicated drainage lines for these hilly pockets and ensure all lines are properly linked to an STP to prevent direct contamination,” More said.Despite the current state of water, PMC has ambitious plans for Jambhulwadi. Officials confirmed that a proposal is being finalised to use the lake’s water for drinking purposes, with a water purification plant already in the works. However, experts warn that a massive cleanup and strict sewage diversion must occur before the water is fit for human consumption. Meanwhile, at Katraj Lake, the PMC continues silt removal with a plan to distribute the extracted silt to local farmers.
