Pune: Worker Dies in JICA-Funded PMC Sewage Project Site, Three Others Rescued in Critical Condition
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Khadakwasla, 4th August 2025: A tragic incident at a Japanese-funded river purification project site in Pune has claimed the life of one worker and left three others critically injured, raising serious concerns about safety protocols at one of the city’s most high-profile infrastructure undertakings.
The accident occurred around 6:15 PM on Monday behind the Nanded City area along the Mutha river, where excavation work for the Pune Municipal Corporation’s sewage pipeline under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted Mula-Mutha river rejuvenation project was underway. A sudden collapse buried four workers under a large heap of soil. Despite a swift rescue operation led by fire and disaster response teams, one worker, identified as Kaniram Prajapati, was declared dead, while the other three were pulled out alive and shifted to a hospital for urgent medical care.
Safety Systems Under Scrutiny
This deadly mishap has triggered outrage and intensified scrutiny of the project’s safety standards. Locals and civic observers are questioning whether basic safety norms were being followed at the excavation site. Eyewitnesses alleged that workers were operating in a deep trench without adequate protective measures or warning systems in place, despite recent rains that could destabilise the soil.
Initial investigations are now focused on whether the contractor ignored standard excavation safety protocols. Was there a geotechnical risk assessment done before digging? Were the workers equipped with essential safety gear? Why was work permitted to continue despite the possibility of a landslide in an open trench?
A senior official from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) confirmed that the matter is being investigated. “This unfortunate incident took place while work was in progress under the JICA project. Three people have been rescued, and one has unfortunately died. We are checking if all safety regulations were followed. A detailed report has been sought,” said Prithviraj B. P., Additional Commissioner, PMC.
Delayed Communication, Official Apathy
Shockingly, the PMC’s Sewerage Department and Sinhagad Road Ward Office reportedly received information about the incident only after a significant delay. The absence of real-time monitoring and weak communication between contractors and civic agencies has raised questions about the coordination and preparedness of disaster response systems.
Swift Response by PMRDA, PDRF Credited for Saving Lives
Despite systemic lapses, the timely action of emergency responders prevented a larger tragedy. The fire department of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the Pune Disaster Response Force (PDRF) arrived at the scene within minutes of being alerted. Under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potphode and Divisional Fire Officer Sujit Patil, a team of 30 personnel executed a swift and coordinated rescue operation.
The workers were retrieved after intense efforts, and the injured were immediately rushed to a hospital.
About the JICA Project
The ₹1,500-crore Mula-Mutha River Rejuvenation Project aims to clean and rehabilitate Pune’s lifeline rivers with funding from the Japanese government through JICA. Approximately 60% of the project work has been completed, which includes construction of new sewage treatment plants and laying of large sewage pipelines across the city.
However, Monday’s incident has cast a shadow over the project’s execution and raised doubts about whether international standards and worker safety guidelines are being genuinely enforced on the ground.
Demand for Accountability
Worker unions and activists have demanded immediate accountability from the civic body and project contractors. “International funding cannot become an excuse to bypass basic safety and human rights. This death was avoidable,” said a representative of a local labour rights group.
As rescue teams wind down operations and families await answers, the city is left grappling with yet another infrastructure-related casualty—one that could have perhaps been prevented with stronger oversight and stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
