Dissolved oxygen is one of the most important indicators of the quality of water and its availability is vital for aquatic life. For good quality water, the dissolved oxygen level should be more than 5 ppm. The water tested from four points (Mhatre bridge, Bhide bridge and Mutha-Nagzira confluence, Vithalwadi) in the Mutha river for its dissolved oxygen level. The tests were conducted by four organizations – Shrishti Environment and Sustainability Society (SESS), Jalbiradari, SETU and Shristi Eco Research Institute (SERI). These organizations have jointly taken up monitoring of five rivers in the city. Scientific test kits were used to test the water. The test results show that dissolved oxygen is close to zero in three sampling points (Mhatre bridge, Bhide bridge and Mutha-Nagzira confluence) and less than 1 ppm in Vithalwadi. There were no fishes at these sampling points, turbidity was high and there was a foul smell also. Vithalwadi to Khadakwasla is the upstream of Mutha river and it is also getting polluted due to growing population and absence of proper sewage system. When the rapid development of the city is taking place, instead of just giving building permissions, facilities like sewage and solid waste management should also be taken up on priority basis. One can find good fish biodiversity if the dissolved oxygen level is more than 5mg per litre. But we did not see any fish at these points. Gambusia fish, which can tolerate pollution, was also not seen. The high turbidity shows that there can be possibility of pathogenic growth and sustenance in water.
