Context: The reappearance of toxic foam in the Indrayani River has revived concerns about pollution in the region.

About Indrayani River :

• Geographical Setting: The Indrayani River serves as a tributary of the Bhima River, a significant contributor to the Krishna River.
• Originating near Lonavla in Kurvande village amidst the Sahyadri mountains of Maharashtra, the river depends on rainfall for its flow.
• Flowing eastward, it converges with the Bhima River, mainly coursing to the north of Pune. Religious towns like Alandi and Dehu grace the riverbanks, with Dehu being renowned as the hometown of Saint Tukaram and Alandi hosting the samadhi of the poet Dnyaneshwar.
• The Valvan Dam at Kamshet on the Indrayani River serves as a hydroelectric generating station.

Bhima River:

• Known as the Chandrabagha River, the Bhima River plays a crucial role as a major tributary to the Krishna River in the southwest.
• It begins from the Bhimashankar hills near Karjat, Maharashtra, traversing through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, and ultimately merging into the Krishna River at Kadlur (Raichur).
• River Characteristics: With a length of 861 km, the river is bordered by the Western Ghats, Balaghat Range, and Mahadeo Hills. The Bhima River basin spans 48,631 sq. km, with 75 percent located in Maharashtra. Notable tributaries include the Sina and Nira rivers.
• Sacred Significance: Pandharpur, situated on the right bank of the Bhima River, holds sacred significance.