Pune: Activists Urge CM to Suspend Mula, Mutha Riverfront Project; Cite Flood Risk and Ecological Concerns

Pimpri Chinchwad, 16th April 2025: A group of environmental activists under the collective ‘Pune-PCMC River Revival’ met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on Tuesday, appealing for an immediate halt to the ongoing Riverfront Development (RFD) works along the Mula and Mutha rivers.

The delegation called for a high-level review meeting involving officials from the Irrigation Department, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), highlighting public objections and ecological concerns associated with the project.

Work on the RFD recently began in the Pimple Nilakh area under PCMC’s jurisdiction. However, several residents, urban planners, and ecologists have expressed alarm, warning that narrowing the riverbed in the name of beautification could reduce its carrying capacity by nearly 38%, significantly raising the risk of urban flooding.

Referring to findings by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the activists warned that projected increases in rainfall—ranging from 15% to 37% due to climate change—could intensify flooding if the natural flow and width of the rivers are compromised.

“Instead of realigning the riverbanks and pouring concrete, the government should focus on restoring the rivers and maintaining their natural course,” said Dhananjay Shedbale, one of the activists in the delegation. “Flooding is not just a future threat, it’s a very real risk today, and this project could worsen it.”

The activists also stressed the ecological importance of the river stretch. According to them, birdwatchers have documented 165 species in the area, including 22 protected under the scheduled species category. They fear the project would permanently disturb the habitat of these birds and impact biodiversity.

“Many of the trees relocated for the project have not survived or will face stress due to continuous construction. The habitat of hundreds of species is being erased in the name of urban beautification,” added activist Tushar Shinde.

Narendra Chugh, president of Jalbiradari, who was also part of the delegation, said, “We specifically asked for an open dialogue with technical bodies like CWPRS and MPCB, whose guidelines are being sidelined. The CM assured us that our concerns would be reviewed and directed officials to look into our letter.”

The meeting was facilitated by BJP MLC Amit Gorkhe, who accompanied the activists during their visit to Mumbai. According to the delegation, Chief Minister Fadnavis took note of their concerns and forwarded their memorandum to the Secretary of the Environment Department and the PCMC Commissioner.

Meanwhile, a protest march has been scheduled for April 27, with support from over 45 civic groups and several political leaders, including voices from the ruling alliance and opposition, all united against the current execution model of the riverfront project.