Pune to Launch Project for Pollution-Free Rivers, Focus on Tributaries and Streams
Pune, 30th August 2025: In a bid to make the major rivers of Pune district pollution-free, a project will be launched to scientifically process small rivers, streams, and drains flowing into larger rivers. A joint meeting of officials from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), and the Zilla Parishad will be held soon to finalize the action plan, Union Minister of State Muralidhar Mohol announced on Friday.
He was speaking during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) review meeting, which he chaired. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal, MP Shrirang Barne, MLAs Bapusaheb Pathare and Babaji Kale, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil.
River Pollution a Growing Concern
Mohol said Pune district, despite being at the forefront in industry, education, and IT, is facing serious challenges due to rising water pollution. Sewage and untreated industrial waste from both rural and urban areas are directly entering rivers.
“To control this, projects are being implemented by the central and state governments. However, efforts limited to major rivers will not be enough. It is equally essential to treat tributaries, drains, and sewage water in a scientific manner,” Mohol stressed.
Focus on Waste Management and Sanitation
The Pune Zilla Parishad will also roll out new projects under the Swachh Bharat Mission, focusing on waste management, sewage disposal, and sanitation. These measures are expected to promote environmental balance and sustainable development.
Mohol added that the DISHA committee’s priorities include river cleanliness, sustainable waste management, green energy generation, rural development, and basic amenities in urban areas.
Pune Metro Expansion
Highlighting the role of Pune Metro, Mohol said the service is helping ease traffic congestion. Metro ridership rose from 1.92 lakh passengers in July to 2.13 lakh in August. Proposals for the second phase of the metro are under technical review, and Mohol urged that the inspection and approval process be expedited.
Pune Airport Terminal Upgrades
District Collector Jitendra Dudi informed that renovation of the old terminal at Pune Airport will be completed by December 2025. He added that land acquisition for the new terminal has already begun, with the marking process completed.
