Ulhasnagar: Severe pollution in the Ulhasnagar River has raised concerns over water quality and the livelihoods of local fishing communities, with dead fish reportedly washing ashore amid the discharge of industrial effluents and the accumulation of festival waste.

The river is an important water source for Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath and Badlapur. However, the disposal of floral offerings, locally known as nirmalya, and the direct discharge of chemically contaminated wastewater into the river have raised questions about the effectiveness of pollution-control measures.

Local fishermen have reported a large number of fish dying, which they attribute to deteriorating water quality and reduced oxygen levels. The loss of fish has affected families dependent on fishing for their daily income, leaving them facing growing financial uncertainty.

“The increasing number of dead fish is a serious concern for families whose livelihood depends entirely on fishing,” local fishermen said, highlighting the need for urgent intervention to protect the river and their source of income.

The pollution has become particularly concerning as several cities in the region face water-supply challenges. Environmental degradation of a shared water source could further complicate efforts to safeguard water resources and public health.

Residents have called on municipal corporations, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and other concerned authorities to conduct joint inspections, identify the sources of contamination and take strict action against industries found discharging untreated effluents.

They have also demanded the removal of accumulated nirmalya, regular testing of river water and an assessment of the financial losses suffered by fishermen. Appropriate relief measures should be considered for affected families, they said.

Citizens have been urged to avoid dumping waste into the river and use designated collection facilities. Protecting the Ulhasnagar River will require coordinated enforcement, responsible waste disposal and sustained monitoring to safeguard water resources and fishing livelihoods.