Pune Indrayani river bridge collapse

1. Geographical Features

• Origin: Kurvande village near Lonavla, Sahyadri mountains (Western Ghats), Maharashtra.

• Tributary of: Bhima River (which itself is a major tributary of Krishna River).

• Flow Path: Eastward through Dehu, Alandi, and north of Pune.

• Dam: Valvan Dam (hydroelectric) at Kamshet.

• Type: Rain-fed river (monsoon-dependent).

2. Religious & Cultural Significance

• Considered a holy river in Hinduism.

• Associated with Sant Tukaram (Dehu) and Sant Dnyaneshwar (Alandi)—key figures in the Bhakti movement.

• Pilgrimage centers along its banks attract devotees.

3. Environmental & Ecological Concerns

• Pollution: Industrial discharge and urban waste from Pune region.

• Encroachment: Illegal constructions affecting river flow.

• Water Management: Part of Bhima River Basin, crucial for Maharashtra’s water supply.

4. Economic Importance

• Hydropower: Valvan Dam contributes to electricity generation.

• Agriculture: Supports farming in Pune and surrounding regions.

• Tourism: Pilgrimage sites boost local economy.

5. Government & Conservation Efforts

• Monitored under Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).

• Part of National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) initiatives.

• Local NGOs and authorities work on clean-up drives and awareness.

Why Important for UPSC?

• Geography: Western Ghats rivers, tributary systems.

• Environment: Pollution challenges, conservation.

• Culture: Bhakti movement, pilgrimage sites.

• Economy: Hydropower, agriculture, urban-rural water conflicts.