Pune News: PCMC Halts Riverbank Work Near Pimple Nilakh Crematorium Following Citizens’ Protest
Pune News: PCMC Halts Riverbank Work Near Pimple Nilakh Crematorium Following Citizens’ Protest
Pimpri, May 16, 2025 – In a significant relief to river conservation activists and concerned residents, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has temporarily halted construction activities along the riverbank near the Pimple Nilakh crematorium. This move comes after continuous objections and complaints raised by local citizens and environmental organisations.
The ongoing construction is part of the first phase of the Mula River Rejuvenation Project, covering the stretch between Wakad Bypass and Sangvi Bridge. The project is being jointly undertaken by the Pune Municipal Corporation and PCMC. The contract for this work had been awarded to B.G. Shirke Construction Technology Pvt. Ltd.
However, several residents and environmental groups raised serious concerns over the environmental degradation caused by the work near the crematorium in Pimple Nilakh. They objected to the dumping of material into the river and the potential ecological damage along the riverbanks. In response, PCMC has called for a fresh technical report to reassess the work in this area.
According to a letter issued by the municipal executive engineers on May 14, all construction activities from chainage 6+100 to 6+500 near the crematorium have been temporarily suspended. The letter clearly instructs that no further work should be carried out until new orders are issued.
Activists associated with the “Save the River” campaign expressed satisfaction with the decision. One of the campaigners stated, “We have been relentlessly following up to preserve the natural form of the river and protect its biodiversity. We are relieved that the municipal body has acknowledged our concerns.”
This decision is expected to strengthen communication between the municipal administration and local citizens, and activists are hopeful it will lead to greater transparency in future development efforts.
