Pune: Mula River Flows Freely Again Near Hinjawadi After Citizen Action Triggers Swift Cleanup

Hinjawadi, 13th April 2026: Following a week of mounting concern and a formal complaint from local residents, the Mula River near the Hinjawadi-Wakad bridge has finally resumed its natural flow. The restoration comes after the Water Resources Department (WRD) intervened to remove construction debris that had illegally choked the riverbed.

One passage has been opened for river flow and the remaining work is expected to be completed by Thursday.

The issue came to light on April 9, when a group of concerned citizens from the Blue Ridge Township, under the banner of the ‘Blue Ridge Association for Voluntary Engagement’ (BRAVE), submitted a formal letter to the Executive Engineer of the Pune Irrigation Department. The letter alleged that M/s MD Infra India Pvt. Ltd., the contractor responsible for a new bridge construction in the area, had dumped massive quantities of debris and created a temporary bund in the riverbed.

The blockage had severe environmental and public health implications. According to the residents’ complaint, the stagnant water led to a rapid surge in water hyacinth growth and a foul odor. Most critically, the contamination threatened the drinking water supply for nearly 17,000 residents (approximately 4,800 households) of Blue Ridge Township, as the stagnant, polluted water was entering the township’s jackwell.

“This was a clear violation of environmental norms,” stated the resident’s petition. “The natural flow was obstructed, leading to fish deaths and a significant risk to public health.”

Following the escalation, officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD) arrived at the site to oversee the removal of the obstruction. Mayur Bhatada from the WRD/Irrigation department has been lauded by local residents for his proactive role on the ground. Observers at the site noted that Bhatada’s diligent supervision ensured that the contractor deployed the necessary machinery to clear the riverbed effectively.

As of today, April 13, 2026, the temporary bund and debris have been cleared, allowing the river to flow naturally once again. While the immediate crisis has been averted, residents remain vigilant, noting that similar debris dumping had occurred in January earlier this year. They have urged authorities to ensure that such violations do not recur, especially with the monsoon season approaching, which could exacerbate flooding risks if the river channel is not kept clear.