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Pune RFD project under scanner after Environmental Clearance violation allegations

The allegations concern diverting the Mutha River's flow and reducing its capacity to carry water during the ongoing River Rejuvenation project in Pune.

3 min readPuneUpdated: Apr 27, 2026 06:48 PM IST

Yadwadkar has alleged that the ongoing RFD project has significantly reduced the flood-carrying capacity of the Mutha River. Express Photo

The Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change department directed the Pune civic body, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the state Water Resource department to immediately hold an inquiry into allegations by civic activist Sarang Yadwadkar regarding the violation of Environment Clearance conditions. The allegations concern diverting the river’s direction and reducing the Mutha river’s water-carrying capacity through the ongoing River Rejuvenation project in the city.

The Pune civic body undertook the River Rejuvenation project, also known as the Riverfront Development project, to beautify the river area and make it easily accessible for citizens’ recreation and other activities.

“The state government received a complaint from Sarang Yadwadkar regarding the violation of Environment Clearance conditions granted to the Pune River Rejuvenation project,” said Kapil Nikam of the state Environment and Climate Change department.

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.

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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