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Pavana river pollution case hearing | STP plans welcome, but based on incorrect data: Green advocate to NGT

Activist Krunnal Gharre said that while the move was welcome, the STP plan was based on outdated and incorrect data and that objections would be placed before the NGT.

The river is choked with effluents and waste from cities and villages. (Source: File)

Speaking at a case hearing regarding the Pavana River’s pollution, citizen activist Krunnal Gharre on Tuesday said he welcomed the move by the PMRDA to spend Rs 218 crore to build sewage treatment plants (STPs) by 2030 along the water body.

He said that while the move was welcome, the STP plan was based on outdated and incorrect data and that objections would be placed before the NGT.

Gharre, who is an advocate, pointed out that the standard measurement was that each person will generate 100 litres of sewage per day. “The proposed 3.5 MLD STP by 2030 is based on outdated and incorrect data. A 3.5 MLD plan, as per PMRDA standard, is sufficient only for 35,000 people. The 52 villages it covers had a population of 50,000 according to the 2011 census. Our primary concern is that the current proposal, which will be commissioned in 2030, was insufficient for the population in 2011. We have not even considered the population growth to date or what will happen.”

He added that the plan fails to consider upcoming planned projects and actual expansion. “We clearly stated to the NGT that this plan is inadequate not just for the future, but even for the past. What we are trying to say is that the calculation feels to be based on false data. In our hearing on Tuesday, we put forth our objections,” said Gharre, adding that they “were going to fight the matter in the court anyway”.

An original application had been filed in July 2024 against the PCMC and PMRDA, among others, as a response to the Pavana becoming the most-polluted river in the state. The river is choked with effluents and waste from cities and villages. In April 2025, the NGT ordered the River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC) to “submit its own report as to whether the steps being taken at the end of PMRDA… show any sincerity in execution of setting up STPs, which are essential to take care of the pollution of river Pavana”.

The RRC said “the length of the Pavana river is 60 km, out of which 35 km is in the area of PMRDA and the remaining 25 km is in the jurisdiction of PCMC. In this 35 km area, there are 54 villages. PMRDA has studied this area and found 15 nalas leading to the Pavana river. PMRDA has proposed 15 STPs having a total capacity of 3.52 million litres per day (MLD)”. PMRDA has submitted the DPR to the Environment Department of the state government.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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