Journalism of Courage
THE MUCH-DELAYED plan to curb pollution in Mula-Mutha river, under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), is all set to be implemented at the Aundh-Baner-Balewadi (ABB) area.
In a proposal tabled during the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC’s) Standing Committee meeting, the civic administration has proposed a project work of Rs 23.5 crore to lay 38-km-long sewer lines in the area so that the waste generated is sent to a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to be constructed in Baner. The total cost of the project is Rs 990 crore and it will be supported by the Japan Industrial Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Under the proposed project, the PMC plans to construct 11 new STPs of 396 MLD treatment capacity to cater to sewage generation up to 2027. It will also lay 113.6 km of sewers and construct 24 community toilets. The 11 new STPs are proposed at Botanical Garden, Baner, Warje, Wagaon Budhurk, Tanajiwadi, Naidu Hospital, Dhanori, Bhairoba nullah, Mundhwa, Kharadi and Matsyabeej Centre. The project is scheduled to be completed in three years.
As per the agreement between the union government and the JICA, it is necessary for the Pune Municipal Corporation to take approval of the JICA for each of the work orders. A letter from the union government to the PMC on October 13, read, “The JICA has given a go ahead to implement the work in Baner area. Thus, the PMC should proceed with its implementation.”
