Remove Encroachments From Mutha River To Prevent Floods: Municipal Committee Recommends Strict Action

Pune, 27th November 2024: A municipal committee has held the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the irrigation department accountable for years of negligence in addressing encroachments and the narrowing of the Mula-Mutha River and its tributaries. The committee concluded that this inaction significantly contributed to the severe flooding of the Mutha River in July this year.

Appointed by Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, the committee has recommended removing riverbank encroachments, enforcing strict penalties for dumping debris into the river, and intensifying efforts to clean the city’s drains. It has also suggested demolishing unauthorised structures within the floodplains to reduce the risk of future floods.

Although the report was submitted to the commissioner in September, no action has been taken yet. Dr. Bhosale has assured that a meeting will soon be convened to implement the recommendations and issue directives for necessary action.

The heavy rainfall in July led to severe flooding in several parts of Pune, including Singhagad Road. Many housing societies, such as Ekta Nagari, suffered extensive damage when rainwater entered residential premises late at night.

To investigate the root cause of the floods, Dr. Bhosale formed a four-member committee. The report, submitted in September, was not initially made public, drawing criticism from civic activist Vivek Velankar of Sajag Nagrik Manch. After the election code of conduct was lifted, the report was officially released on 27th November.

Speaking on the findings, Dr. Bhosale stated that officials from all relevant departments would meet to ensure the implementation of appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The report also flagged illegal encroachments near Bhide Bridge, where makeshift structures continue to block the river’s flow. Although a 24-hour notice was issued to remove these structures, demolition remains incomplete. Dr. Bhosale has instructed Additional Commissioner Prithviraj BP to expedite the process and ensure the encroachments are fully cleared.

The report identified multiple causes for the floods. Unauthorised structures along the riverbanks have significantly reduced the river’s capacity to handle water flow. Regular dumping of construction debris into the river has further obstructed its natural course. Years of neglect and inadequate maintenance of drainage systems have exacerbated the flood risks.

To address these issues, the committee has recommended various measures, including marking floodplain zones with blue and red flood lines to identify high-risk areas and demolishing illegal structures to restore the river’s natural flow. Ensuring the Mutha River can carry up to one lakh cusecs of water without obstruction is a priority, alongside clearing blocked drains to prevent waterlogging. The committee also emphasised the need to map flood-prone areas based on varying water flow levels and remove obstructive structures such as weirs and old bridges.

The committee has urged the authorities to file criminal cases against individuals or organisations responsible for encroachments, debris dumping, or unauthorised construction along the river and drains. Officials from departments such as Public Works, Disaster Management, and Police have been tasked with taking swift and coordinated action to address these issues.

Dr. Bhosale stressed the importance of prompt and collaborative efforts to enhance flood management and safeguard Pune’s residents from future disasters. The PMC is expected to act swiftly on the recommendations to resolve the long-standing issues affecting the Mutha River’s capacity.