Pune to Host ‘River Festival 2025’ to Clean Mutha Riverbed; PMC Appeals for Public Participation
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 28th November 2025: To mark ‘River Week’ and National Pollution Control Day, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will host a large-scale river cleanliness drive titled River Festival 2025 – Clean River, Beautiful Pune on December 2 along the Mutha riverbed.
The drive will take place from 7 am to 10 am between Bhide Bridge and Mhatre Bridge, with public participation expected from citizens, students, environment groups and volunteers. The event is being organized in collaboration with YUVA for Action, Ecosan Services Foundation, Jeevitnadi – Living River Foundation and several other NGOs.
PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the festival reflects the city’s growing environmental commitment. “Our aim is to bring citizens closer to the Mutha River and inspire collective responsibility for its cleanliness,” he said, urging Pune residents to join the initiative. “A clean river means a healthier and more beautiful Pune. Together, we can revive our lifeline.”
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi and Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar will also attend the event.
The entire riverbank stretch has been divided into nine zones for systematic cleanliness. Participants will be guided to their designated zone after reaching the entry points:
* Zones 1, 2 and 3 — Entry from Baba Bhide Bridge
• Zones 4, 5 and 6 — Entry from Khude Path (near Gulmohar society at start of riverside road)
Gloves and masks will be provided by PMC in each zone. Volunteers have been advised to wear closed shoes and avoid entering the barricaded sections or stepping into the river. Saplings will be distributed during the event to promote greener surroundings.
Registration for participation is free and can be completed online. PMC has appealed to citizens to contribute their time and efforts to help restore the river’s natural beauty and ecological health.
To participate, register here: https://forms.gle/vu4Ch33pn3Q7vinH7
“This is not just a cleanliness drive — it is a movement for Pune’s sustainable future,” Commissioner Ram added.
