Pune | EIA body defers green clearance for riverfront development project

Asks PMC to complete compliance with conditions.

The RFD project includes the development of a 44-km river stretch, which includes 22.2 km of Mula river, 10.4 km of Mutha river and 11.8 km of Mula-Mutha river. The project is divided into multiple stretches for implementation and work has begun on two stretches. (Express file photo)

The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has deferred issuing Environment Clearance (EC) for the River Front Development (RFD) while asking the civic body to complete the compliance with the conditions laid by it.

The SEIAA also asked Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) to specifically comment on whether after channelisation of river under the project would there be rise in river flooding events in Pune city.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), in August last year, had directed the PMC to not to fell any tree for River Front Development (RFD) project till the SEIAA allows the amendment in Environment Clearance for the project proposed by the civic body.

Citizens Sarang Yadwadkar and Pushkar Kulkarni had filed an application in the NGT seeking directives to the PMC for prohibiting from tree felling for RFD alongside Mula, Mutha and Mula-Mutha river until a fresh appraisal of the project is conducted as per supreme court order of March 27 last year.

According to the civic body’s proposal, a total of 7,539 trees will be affected of which 3,110 would be completely cut while 4,329 would be transplanted. The PMC will be planting 66,434 new trees to compensate for the cutting of trees.

In its minutes dated November 7 last year and issued on Monday, the SEIAA observed that the PMC should submit compliance of 18 requirements for getting EC for the project.

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It also asked the CWPRS to analyse the Hyrdaulic and Hydrology study and specifically comment on “whether after channelisation would there be rise in river flooding events in Pune city as well as Pluvial floods beyond both the banks of rivers, whether after channelisation as the confluence of Mula and Mutha river would there be rise in river flooding events, whether 100 years floods data has been considered while computing the flood levels.”

Also read | Environment body calls for a rethink on River Front Development

As one of the foremost objectives of the project is to reduce the risk of flooding, the SEIAA sought specific clarification on phase-wise targets and likely milestones about it while seeking confirmation of Indian standard codes for all works including embarkments.

“Whether the TERI report on climate change scenario of 37.5 per cent rise in annual rainfall with reduced number of rainy days, more frequent cloud bursts, considered.”

It asked the PMC to submit details of all existing structures to be retained or demolished, built up area as well as construction area to include all construction including retaining walls.

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“The SEIAA observations are very crucial and substantiates our stand on dangers of the project to environment and human life. It has asked PMC to do compliance of the laid conditions and we feel it is scientifically impossible for the civic body to comply them,” said Yadwadkar.

“It is the moral responsibility of PMC to stop the ongoing work on three of the 11 stretches being developed under the project. We will take up the issue at the relevant forum if the PMC does not stop the work immediately,” he added.
City Engineer Prashant Waghmare, however, said, “The SEIAA has sought details on compliance by PMC for implementing the RFD and deferred decision till then. We will submit the compliance and soon get EC for project.”

The work on three stretches is being done, he said adding the PMC is prepared to start work on other eight stretches once it gets EC for the 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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