Pune RFD project under scanner after Environmental Clearance violation allegations

In a written communication, he requested the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the state Water Resource department and MPCB to examine the nature and extent of the alleged grievance regarding the violation of Environment Clearance conditions. He also requested they conduct an inquiry based on the objections raised in the complaint and immediately submit a detailed report to the government. “It is requested that the complainant be informed and allowed to participate during the inquiry’s site visits and meetings,” added Nikam.

Yadwadkar alleged that the ongoing RFD project has significantly reduced the flood-carrying capacity of the Mutha river. “The consultant provided incorrect and reduced flood data figures while creating the Draft Project Report (DPR) for the RFD project. The figures from the Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute (MERI), which studied the Mutha river’s flood-carrying capacity, show significant variation from the actual figures considered when preparing the project’s DPR,” he said. He added that this discrepancy may lead to greater flooding in Pune than estimated as reducing the river’s width will decrease its water-carrying capacity.

Yadwadkar said the enquiry should begin immediately, following the state government’s order, since the ongoing RFD work is proceeding at full speed. The activist had also challenged the RFD in court and the National Green Tribunal which required the Pune civic body to seek environment clearance for the RFD project before starting work.

The Pune civic body began the work after the union government issued the Environment Clearance.