Pune: CWPRS to Conduct Fresh Flood-Risk Assessment of Mula, Mutha Rivers
Pune, 4th September 2026: Amid growing concerns over Pune’s vulnerability to flooding, the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, will undertake a comprehensive study of the Mula, Mutha and Mula-Mutha rivers to assess their flood-carrying capacity and recommend measures to strengthen the city’s flood protection system.
The study will include preparation of a physical model covering nearly 44 km of the river system, from the dams up to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits. It will examine changes in the river system and assess whether the existing river channels have sufficient capacity to safely carry floodwaters.
The move follows an earlier assessment by the Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute (MERI), Nashik, which found that the flood-carrying capacity of the Mula and Mutha rivers was below the levels required to safely handle major flood events. The assessment covered 25-year and 100-year return-period floods and was submitted to the Water Resources Department.
The CWPRS study will examine several aspects of the river system, including soil conditions, changes in the riverbed, water quality, flood-carrying capacity and flood management measures. It will also assess the possible impact of installing stop logs as part of the spillway arrangement at Khadakwasla dam.
The earlier MERI assessment was conducted following directions from the Bombay High Court. A committee headed by the additional chief secretary of the Water Resources Department was subsequently formed to review the blue and red flood lines of the Mula and Mutha rivers, with MERI also represented on the panel.
Officials and experts have since raised concerns over rapid development along the riverbanks and changing ground conditions, prompting the need for a fresh and more detailed assessment of the river system.
CWPRS director Dr M Selva Balan said the study would determine whether Pune would remain safe during a major flood and assess the adequacy of the city’s existing flood-management measures. He said the study would be carried out in accordance with the guidelines and directions of the Water Resources Department.
The PMC has been asked to provide direct inputs for the study. After the CWPRS submits its recommendations, the civic administration will assess the measures needed to enhance the river system’s flood-carrying capacity and take steps for their implementation.
