Ajit Pawar says no link between flooding, riverfront project; activists say flooding proves concerns legit

Citizen activists have challenged the RFD saying that not only will it allow flooding in the city as the carrying capacity of the riverbed will reduce, but will also damage the biodiversity existing in and around the river.

Pawar, however, admitted that water logging in societies was due to natural streams having been encroached upon and construction blocking the smooth flow of water. (Photo/X?@AjitPawarSpeaks)

Deputy Chief Minister and Pune guardian minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday said that there was no reason to connect the ongoing Riverfront Development (RFD) project with flooding of Mutha river which was caused mainly due to record rainfall in a short time in and around Pune.

“This discussion is not new that projects contribute to natural disasters. In 2004, during Congress–NCP rule in the state, there were all kinds of talks that windmills in western Maharashtra were preventing cloud formation leading to the drought in the area, but later the talk died down. The same is being said of the riverfront project now,” he said.

Pawar, however, admitted that water logging in societies was due to natural streams having been encroached upon and construction blocking the smooth flow of water. “It is the need of the hour to clear natural streams of encroachments,” he said.

Incidentally, there is a court stay on taking up any new work of RFD in the city till there is a final decision on it. Citizen activists have challenged the RFD saying that not only will it allow flooding in the city as the carrying capacity of the riverbed will reduce, but will also damage the biodiversity existing in and around the river. They have also accused the civic body of violating the submission made while seeking permission for RFD.

Civic activist Sarang Yadvadkar said that the current crisis was the very concern that had been raised in the case against the RFD. “Hopefully this will awaken authorities and citizens,” he said. Yadwadkar and a few others had raised objections to the construction of metro pillars in the riverbed as well as the ongoing RFD project.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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