Pune infra watch: PMC finally set to launch Mula-Mutha river rejuvenation project

The rejuvenation project, modelled on the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad and approved in 2016, includes the development of 44 km of river stretch, including 22.2 km of Mula river, 10.4 km of Mutha river and 11.8 km of Mula-Mutha river.

The civic body plans to ensure 79 per cent of green embankments to reduce the risk of flooding with 33.9 km of rural riparian, 38.8 km of urban riparian and 19.8 km engineered sections.

ALL SET to launch its ambitious river rejuvenation project to beautify Mula-Mutha river on the lines of Sabarmati riverfront, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to include beautification of the 8-km stretch from Bangalore-Mumbai Bypass to Aundh Bridge as a priority stretch, along with 5.3-km stretch from Yerwada to Mundhwa Bridge and 3.7-km stretch from Sangam to Bund Garden.

The river rejuvenation project includes the development of 44-km of the river stretch, including 22.2-km of the Mula river, 10.4 km of the Mutha River and 11.8 km of the Mula-Mutha river.

The PMC has completed the tender process for two stretches and would be opening the bids this week. It is likely to issue a work order in the next few days and also plans to lay the foundation stone of the project. It completed all the necessary surveys, base map preparation and environment impact assessment for the project in 2017.

The Rs 4,727-crore project is being implemented to clean the river and make it pollution-free, reducing the risk of flooding, making the entire riverbank accessible to the public, retaining water, improving the city’s connectivity to the riverfront and integrating existing heritage structures, recreational, religious and socio-cultural activities.

The civic body has decided to set up nine new sewage treatment plants (STP) under the National River Cleanliness and Development (NRCD) scheme and two under riverfront development in addition to the existing 11 sewage treatment plants to ensure no untreated sewage is released in the river.

It has decided to ensure 79 per cent of green embankments to reduce the risk of flooding with 33.9-km of rural riparian, 38.8-km of urban riparian and 19.8-km with engineered sections.

To make the river more accessible for the public, the PMC will develop 50 new ghats in addition to the existing 20 ghats. It has proposed a total of 270 new access points against the existing 53 access points. These will encourage social-cultural, recreational and religious activities.

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The project plans to introduce sporting activities like boating by retaining water in the river by constructing one new barrage near the Garware bridge in addition to the existing three barrages on the river.

It will also bring in major changes in road infrastructure in areas alongside the river. “We have proposed new roads for better connectivity on either side and across the river while removing few roads in the riverbed,” Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar said.

Also, 18 temples alongside the river will be integrated with the project. There are a total of 18 crematoriums and burial grounds alongside the river, which will also be integrated into the beautification project.

Meanwhile, environmentalists are opposing the project saying it will destroy the ecology of the river and increase flood conditions in future. Environmentalist Sarang Yadwadkar said, “The city is already a flood-prone area so what is the need for a river beautification project. Is the civic administration working under some pressure to implement the project?”

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The state water resource department has put the onus on PMC on possible flooding due to the project. “We are once again conveying that the PMC should ensure that there should be no obstacle in the flow of river water. The water carrying capacity of the river should not get reduced and there should not be any changes made to the river. If there is an obstacle to the flow of river water then the water resource department would take action against the work,” it had said recently.

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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Pune Municipal Corporation