Untreated sewage released in Mula-Mutha: NGT asks civic bodies, cantonment boards to take immediate action

The bench also ordered the municipal corporations and cantonment boards to explore the possibility of collecting the municipal solid waste, plastics and debris by installing a net at the existing points and ensure their regular collection.

The bench also found the 18 ‘monitoring locations’ on the Mula-Mutha river zone “grossly inadequate” for the river system that stretched for over 20 km. (File Photo)

Expressing concern about the information shared by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) — that 410.5 million litres per day (MLD) of raw sewage was being released into the Mula-Mutha river and its tributaries, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), the Dehu Cantonment Board (DCB) and the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) to take necessary and immediate action to avoid any serious health problems to those living in the catchment area.

The bench of Justice S P Wangdi and expert member Dr Nagin Nanda stated, “The monitoring results of river water quality shown by the MPCB shows that water quality parameters are far from satisfactory, especially relevant parameters, and rather the picture is dismal.” The bench pointed out that, as per the information of the MPCB, while the total amount of sewage generated was 1,084 MLD, only 673.5 MLD of sewage was treated, and 410.5 MLD of raw sewage was finding its way into Mula-Mutha.

It also questioned the “performance” of local sewage treatment plants (STPs). “The data with respect to the performance of STPs, set up by the PMC and PCMC, amply demonstrates that the performance of the STP is not satisfactory and we fear that the release of raw sewage… can cause serious health problems in the catchment of Mula-Mutha river,” it said.

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The bench also found the 18 ‘monitoring locations’ on the Mula-Mutha river zone “grossly inadequate” for the river system that stretched for over 20 km. The monitoring protocol was “not in consonance with the problem of river water contamination which the population is facing”, it said.

The Tribunal also sought action against housing co-operative societies or colonies that “have not installed standalone modular STPs and are releasing the untreated sewage into the adjoining drains, which gets drained into the river. The MPCB is directed to take action against the defaulting housing co-operative societies, in accordance with the law”.

The PCMC, meanwhile, was directed to connect the SCADA system, which monitors the operations of its 13 STPs, with the server of the MPCB. The Tribunal also asked the MPCB and PCMC to undertake an extensive survey to identify units in the Maharashtra Industries Development Corporation that were discharging effluent into the river.

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When the MPCB informed the bench that the DCB was responsible for the discharge of 10 MLD of untreated sewage in two rivers — Pawna and Indrayani — it said, “This depicts the shocking state of affairs. We direct the DCB to expeditiously follow the installation of STP..” The PCB was directed to take steps to treat 1.5 MLD sewage that was being released in the river.

The bench also ordered the municipal corporations and cantonment boards to explore the possibility of collecting the municipal solid waste, plastics and debris by installing a net at the existing points and ensure their regular collection and disposal, to prevent the waste from reaching the river system.

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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