Pune: MPCB Issues Notices to PMC Over Untreated Sewage, Heavy Foaming in Mula-Mutha Rivers
Pune, 30th January 2026: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued notices to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) over its failure to prevent heavy foaming in the Mula and Mutha rivers.
“MPCB inspections have revealed that PMC has not commissioned sufficient sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity to handle the city’s total sewage generation of 980 million litres per day (MLD). The existing facilities are inadequate, allowing large volumes of untreated sewage to flow into water bodies,” said Kartikeya Langote, Sub-Regional Officer, MPCB, in notices issued on January 26.
The action comes after MPCB officials conducted inspections at multiple sites, including the river confluence in Sangamwadi, Naidu Hospital STP, Mundhwa facility, and Kharadi STP. Authorities said the excessive foaming in the rivers was caused by effluent that had not been treated properly.
At Mundhwa, untreated sewage was found discharging directly into the river through an open drain, severely affecting water quality. In Kharadi, the board noted poor hydraulic regulation and insufficient operational control at the local treatment plant.
Currently, around 500 MLD of untreated sewage is being released directly into the Mula and Mutha rivers through ten major nullahs. MPCB officials also highlighted that several newly merged areas, including Kharadi, Kondhwa, Pisoli, Bavdhan, Sus, and Undri, remain completely unsewered, exacerbating the pollution problem.
“The situation poses a serious threat to the river ecosystem and public health. Immediate steps are needed to enhance treatment capacity and manage sewage effectively,” Langote added.
The MPCB has directed PMC to take corrective measures promptly, warning of strict action if the issues are not addressed.
