Pune: No Funds for Pavana River Pollution Project? NGT Case Puts PCMC’s Financial Resources in Focus
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune/Pimpri-Chinchwad, 11th September 2026: The Maharashtra Government has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that funds are not available for the proposed Pavana River pollution mitigation project, while the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) has also indicated that it does not have funds for the works and has asked the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to explore alternative sources.
The development has raised concerns over the implementation of pollution-control measures for the Pavana River, particularly after repeated commitments by authorities regarding the completion of the project.
The NGT, while hearing a matter concerning pollution of the Pavana River, had directed the Maharashtra Government, NRCD and PCMC to jointly submit a definite roadmap and timeline for completing the required pollution-mitigation works.
However, affidavits subsequently filed before the Tribunal indicate a funding issue. The State Government has stated that funds are not available for the project, while NRCD has also stated that it does not have funds and that PCMC should explore other sources of funding.
The funding position has also raised questions over proposed works by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), particularly projects that are dependent on State or Central Government funding.
The issue has been raised by Advocate Krunnal Gharre, who had approached the NGT over pollution of the Pavana River. Gharre has questioned whether PCMC could use its own financial resources for pollution mitigation instead of waiting for funds from external agencies.
According to PCMC’s audited financial statements for the financial year 2024-25, the civic body had around ₹4,899.71 crore in bank term deposits as of March 31, 2025. Its investments and reported bank balances together were around ₹8,125 crore, while its interest income during the year was approximately ₹407 crore.
Gharre has said that PCMC’s financial position should be placed before the NGT and has questioned the continued dependence on external funding for the river pollution mitigation project.
The Pavana River has faced concerns over pollution for several years, with the issue affecting areas in Maval and Pimpri-Chinchwad and downstream regions. Continued delays in implementing pollution-control measures have also raised concerns over their environmental and public health implications.
The project has a history of delayed deadlines. According to Gharre, following directions from the Supreme Court in 2019, PCMC had committed to completing the project by 2021. That deadline was not met. During the ongoing NGT proceedings, PCMC again submitted a commitment regarding completion of the works, but the project remains incomplete. Non-receipt of funds from NRCD has subsequently been cited as one of the reasons for the delay.
The latest affidavits have therefore brought the funding responsibility for the project into focus, particularly if State Government and NRCD funds are not available.
“It is deeply disheartening that while the Pavana continues to remain polluted, thousands of crores of PCMC’s funds remain parked. PCMC must decide whether it wants to keep its money idle while the river dies, or proactively use its resources to protect the river and public health,” Gharre said.
He said he would continue to pursue the matter before the NGT and concerned authorities. Gharre also said that if PCMC, PMRDA or the Zilla Parishad continued to delay the project despite having financial resources, he would seek appropriate environmental costs and accountability for the continuing pollution.
