Pune: Mula-Mutha Flood Risk Up By 40% In 15 Years, Say Activists
Pune: Mula-Mutha Flood Risk Up By 40% In 15 Years, Say Activists
Pune, September 3, 2025: Civic groups and environmental experts have raised alarms that the flood risk from the Mula and Mutha rivers has risen by nearly 40% in the past 15 years, with even the irrigation department acknowledging the trend.
At a press conference, activists Sarang Yadwadkar and Vivek Velankar presented data showing how flooding now occurs even with reduced water releases from upstream dams. On August 20, 2025, the department released 71,408 cusecs of water, yet the river levels in Pune reached the designated flood mark of 542.45 metres. According to departmental guidelines, this threshold should only be touched when discharges exceed 1.18 lakh cusecs.
Yadwadkar added that data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act further supports the claim. “On July 25, 2024, when just 69,111 cusecs were released, river levels still touched the flood mark. This clearly indicates a decline in the carrying capacity of the rivers,” he explained.
Velankar stressed that the findings reveal a dangerous pattern: “Despite lower releases from dams, Pune still faces flood-like situations. This proves that the rivers’ natural flow channels have shrunk drastically.”
The activists attributed the situation to unchecked encroachments, illegal constructions, and obstructions within the riverbeds. These human-induced changes, combined with the effects of climate change, have significantly reduced the ability of the Mula and Mutha to manage heavy inflows.
Citing recent studies, they warned that Pune is expected to receive around 37% more rainfall in the coming years compared to earlier decades. “With more intense rain events and shrinking river capacity, the city is becoming increasingly vulnerable to floods,” Yadwadkar and Velankar cautioned.
They urged the authorities to take urgent corrective measures, including clearing encroachments, restoring natural riverbeds, and implementing long-term flood management strategies to safeguard Pune from future disasters.
