Pune Gets Rs 842 Crore Boost to Tackle Mula-Mutha River Pollution
Pune, 23rd September 2025: In a major step towards curbing pollution in the Mula-Mutha river, the central government has approved a ₹842 crore project under the Amrut 2.0 scheme for modernization and expansion of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the city. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared details of the approval on social media.
Of the sanctioned amount, the central government will contribute ₹252.86 crore, the state government ₹210.71 crore, and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) ₹20.90 crore. The remaining ₹358 crore will be mobilized through the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Why the Upgrade Was Needed
Currently, nine sewage treatment plants managed by PMC handle a combined capacity of 477 MLD (million litres per day). However, these plants operate on outdated standards and fail to meet modern environmental norms. The demand for upgraded facilities has been pending for years, with citizens and experts urging the government to act on rising river pollution.
Capacity Expansion and Technology Shift
The approved funds will cover both capacity expansion and technology upgrades across six major STPs — Bhairoba, Tanajiwadi, Bopodi, Erandwane, Vitthalwadi, and Naidu (New).
Bhairoba STP: 130 MLD → 200 MLD
Tanajiwadi STP: 17 MLD → 26 MLD
Bopodi STP: 18 MLD → 28 MLD
Erandwane STP: 50 MLD (technology upgrade)
Vitthalwadi STP: 32 MLD (technology upgrade)
Naidu (New) STP: 115 MLD (technology upgrade)
The upgradation will increase the city’s sewage treatment capacity by 89 MLD, raising it to 566 MLD.
Advanced Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology will be deployed at Bhairoba and Tanajiwadi, while Integrated Fixed Film Sludge Process (IFAS) will be used at Vitthalwadi, Erandwane, Bopodi, and Naidu. Since Baner, Kharadi, and Mundhwa plants already operate on SBR technology, they will not require renovation.
Timeline and Implementation
PMC has already invited tenders from three contractors, and scrutiny is underway. The projects are expected to be completed within two to three years. Once functional, officials expect a drastic reduction in pollutants, especially phosphates and nitrates, which the current system fails to filter out.
The proposal received technical clearance from the Maharashtra Jeevan Authority in January 2024, while the Centre gave final approval in May 2025.
PMC’s Assurance
“New projects will be set up at Bhairoba and Tanajiwadi from the approved funds. Other projects will be modernized, and the scrutiny of three tenders is underway,” said Prithviraj B.P., Additional Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation.
Relief for Citizens
With the completion of these projects, Pune is expected to see a significant improvement in wastewater treatment efficiency, providing residents with a cleaner, healthier environment and helping restore the ecology of the Mula-Mutha river.
