River Festival to Become Institutional Movement, Says PMC Chief Naval Kishore Ram
Pune, 22nd April 2026: Signalling a shift from event-based initiatives to a sustained civic mission, Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram on Tuesday said the city’s River Festival will now be taken forward at an institutional level, with regular clean-up drives and wider stakeholder participation aimed at rejuvenating the Mula-Mutha River.
Addressing citizens and stakeholders, Ram drew a parallel with the evolving narratives of Raj Kapoor’s films, saying Pune’s river story too must move from conflict to transformation. “There is a clear disconnect today between rapid urban growth and planning. The river is polluted, but we cannot remain in a state of despair—we must act and change the story,” he said.
Highlighting successful models, the commissioner pointed to the transformation of the Varanasi Ghats, now a major global attraction. “What was once neglected is today among the most visited riverfronts, drawing tourists and filmmakers from across the world. Pune can achieve similar change,” he said, adding that visible improvements could begin within the next eight months.
As part of infrastructure measures, Ram announced that an 11 MLD sewage treatment plant will soon become operational, helping curb untreated discharge into the river. The civic body is also focusing on non-point source pollution, particularly construction debris. “Nearly 1,400 construction sites have been identified, and strict compliance will be enforced to ensure waste does not enter the river,” he said.
Stressing that governance alone cannot solve the crisis, Ram called for active citizen participation. Despite Pune’s top rankings among Indian cities, he noted that challenges in cleanliness persist. “If we want to remain number one, we must take responsibility for our environment,” he said.
The commissioner also flagged uneven water consumption across different parts of the river basin and underlined the need for water literacy and conservation. He said civil society cooperation would be crucial in bringing about behavioural change, reducing encroachments, and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
Invoking the teachings of Gautama Buddha, Ram said principles such as right action and right effort could guide civic responsibility and environmental stewardship.
Outlining the roadmap ahead, the PMC chief said three River Festivals will be held annually, supplemented by weekly clean-up drives targeting the most polluted stretches of the river. “All stakeholders—government agencies, citizens, NGOs and industries—must come together. This is not just about cleaning a river, but about transforming Pune’s relationship with nature,” he said.
