Pune: Activist Urges PMC To Clean Mutha River Before Monsoon, Seeks Timeline For Baba Bhide Bridge Work
Pune: Activist Urges PMC To Clean Mutha River Before Monsoon, Seeks Timeline For Baba Bhide Bridge Work
Pune, April 13, 2026: A formal representation has been submitted to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner, raising urgent concerns over the accumulation of garbage in the Mutha riverbed and delays in the ongoing Baba Bhide Bridge work.
In a letter addressed to Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Creative Foundation President Sandeep Khardekar has demanded immediate cleaning of the riverbed before the onset of the monsoon. He highlighted that large quantities of waste have accumulated in the Mutha River, particularly along the stretch between Dengle Bridge and Mhatre Bridge, making the area highly unsanitary.
The letter warns that if the garbage is not cleared before the rains, it could be washed downstream during pre-monsoon showers or heavy rainfall, leading to blockages in nearby villages. Citing an example, Khardekar pointed out that garbage accumulation at Kavdipat has reportedly impacted the arrival of migratory birds in the area.
Additionally, concerns were raised about metro construction materials lying in the riverbed, which also need to be removed before the monsoon to prevent further environmental damage.
The representation also questioned the prolonged delay in the Baba Bhide Bridge project, which has been under construction for several years. Despite repeated traffic closures, the work remains incomplete. Khardekar has urged the civic administration to coordinate with metro authorities and publicly share a clear timeline for the completion of the bridge, along with the removal of barricades.
The civic body has been requested to take prompt action on both issues to avoid potential hazards during the upcoming monsoon season.
