Maharashtra: Toxic Effluent Foam Drowns Pune’s Mula River, Poses Health Hazards

The ancient river, Mula-Mutha, has turned into a sewer and a dumping site over the years. The neglected river is heavily polluted and filthy. The foam formation is due to industrial discharge by industries in various areas under the jurisdiction of Maharashtra industrial development corporation (MIDC), inside PCMC limits. Dr. Nitin Mokashi, medical officer at Yashwantrao Chavan memorial hospital, said, “If the water that contains foam comes in direct or indirect contact with humans, it can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, skin problems, headaches, and several respiratory illnesses. These industrial effluents are oncogenic and responsible for cancer, especially in small children.”