Water Hyacinth in Kamwari River Sparks Flood Threat in Bhiwandi's Shelar Village
On July 3, 2026, a massive accumulation of water hyacinth in the Kamwari River emerged as a serious flood threat for Shelar village and adjoining areas on the outskirts of Bhiwandi. Local residents and environmental observers warned that the dense aquatic weed, which has grown over the past two to three months, is obstructing the natural flow of the river at the onset of the monsoon.
Locals fear that continued heavy rainfall could completely choke the river, triggering backflow and leading to severe flooding in low-lying settlements situated along the riverbank.
According to residents, the rapid growth of the water hyacinth is being fueled by the continuous discharge of untreated sewage and chemical-laden industrial effluents into the waterbody.
The Kamwari River flows along the boundary of the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation (BMC). One bank of the river borders Millat Nagar, a prominent residential locality, while the opposite bank falls under the jurisdiction of the Shelar Gram Panchayat. Wastewater from both sides is discharged into the river, worsening pollution levels.
Residents alleged that incomplete sewerage infrastructure in Bhiwandi results in untreated municipal sewage being released directly into the river. Additionally, dyeing, sizing, and chemical processing units in the Shelar Gram Panchayat area are accused of discharging chemical effluents.
A check dam constructed on the Bhiwandi-Wada Road, which stores water for agricultural use, has also been covered by the weed, raising concerns that the obstruction could restrict water movement during intense rainfall.
Water conservation activist Dr. Snehal Donde has urged the Irrigation Department's Sub-Divisional Engineer to provide an updated status of the river survey and desilting work. She also appealed to the BMC to immediately identify and shut all sewage discharge points.
In response to these concerns, Sandeep Patnwar, Executive Engineer of the BMC's Water Supply Department, said the civic body removes water hyacinth from the river every year and similar cleaning operations will be undertaken this monsoon.
Meanwhile, Bhiwandi Tahsildar Abhijit Khole said an inspection team would be deputed to assess the situation and initiate removal where required.
