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Bombay HC directs review of floodline of Mula-Mutha river in next two months

In June last year, the high court had given an order that would have its impact on the development activities, including the Riverfront Development project, alongside Mula Mutha river

4 min readPuneJul 1, 2025 08:52 PM IST

A JCB excavator at work in the Mula-Mutha river ( File Photo: Arul Horizon )

With no action to redraw the floodlines of Mula Mutha river in Pune despite court issuing directions for the same an year ago, the Bombay High Court has directed the court-appointed expert committee to review the existing demarcation of floodlines and submit a report to the state government within a period of two months so that it could take action as per the recommendations.

Hearing a PIL by activists Sarang Yadwadkar, Vivek Velankar and Vijay Kumbhar, the bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne on Monday directed the expert committee to submit its report on review of demarcation of floodlines within the next two months. “The state government, on receipt of the report, should take appropriate action on the recommendations of the expert committee within a further period of two months,” it said adding the petitioners can give their suggestions to the state government on the issue.

In June last year, the high court had given an order that would have its impact on the development activities, including the Riverfront Development project, alongside Mula Mutha river. It had directed the state government to constitute an experts committee to undertake time bound review of demarcation of floodlines of Mula Mutha river in Pune by considering study of various organisations.

The experts committee was to be formed within two weeks, which should have finalised the blueprint for undertaking comprehensive review of demarcation of floodlines in Pune within four weeks thereafter. The experts committee to be formed was headed by the Additional Chief Secretary of the state department of Water Resources Development.

However, the Bombay High Court did not accept the request of petitioners to revoke permission for development of lands within 100 metre distance of the current flood lines concerned.

“The petitioners have not prosecuted any person who has raised any construction within 100 meters distance of current flood lines demarcated in the Development Plan of 2017. Therefore, this court is unable to issue any positive direction. However, the Pune Municipal Corporation should examine the issue and shall take action in accordance with law after affording an opportunity of hearing to the persons, who may be aggrieved by the proposed action, which may be taken by the Pune Municipal Corporation after receipt of directions from the state government issued after consideration of expert committee report,” it said.

In its previous order, the court had suggested that a comprehensive review of the flood line demarcation process be conducted, taking into account the flow from the free catchment area, Nashik based Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute (MERI) guidelines, and Delhi based The Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) climate change action plan. “Addressing these aspects would contribute to a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of flood risk in the area,” it had said.

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It was revealed that the flow from the free catchment area between Khadakwasla dam and Mula-Mutha confluence in 2011 has not been considered. It was suggested that this factor should be taken into account in the flood line marking process.

The petitioners have sought direction to Pune Municipal Corporation to replace the demarcation of flood lines in the 2017 Development Plan for Pune city and superimpose them with flood lines as demarcated in the maps dated March 5, 2011.

Last year, the court had stated, “Demarcation of flood lines in an urban area or a city like Pune assumes importance for the simple reason that in case, any development activity is permitted by the municipal body of such an urban area in the flood zone of any water channel like a river. The same results in reducing the flood carrying capacity of such a water channel, which, ultimately is the cause of flood. To ensure that the earth continues to remain habitable, it is thus very necessary to appropriately and correctly demarcate the flood line of water channels, failing which the inhabitants of the area may face problems beyond remedies.”

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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