Mula-Mutha River In Pune: Restoration Takes A Backseat As Beautification Gets Priority Â
The Mula-Mutha River, once Pune’s lifeline, is now at the center of a controversial development project that prioritizes aesthetics over ecological restoration. The water being discharged from the Naidu Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) near Naik Bet appears clean, but its actual quality remains uncertain.
At several locations, untreated sewage is flowing directly into the river, raising concerns about pollution control measures. The government should have ensured that all discharged water is properly treated before entering the river.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded STP project was intended to address Pune’s sewage crisis by constructing treatment plants at multiple sites. However, the project remains incomplete, and even after completion, it is unlikely to treat 100% of the city’s wastewater. Without sufficient sewage treatment infrastructure, pollution in the river will persist.
Despite the unresolved issue of untreated sewage, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is moving forward with the ₹4,700 crore Riverfront Development (RFD) Project, which includes:
– Concretization of the riverbed
– Artificial concrete embankments
– Beautification efforts that do not tackle pollution sources
The key question remains—was riverfront development ever a priority for Pune’s citizens? Instead of focusing on cosmetic changes, the primary goal should have been ensuring 100% sewage treatment before releasing water into the river.
The Mula-Mutha River needs real revival, not a superficial makeover. Until the focus shifts from beautification to genuine pollution control, Pune’s river will continue to deteriorate despite large-scale public spending.
