Rs 8 Crore Spent, Yet Water Hyacinth Persists in Pune’s Rivers and Lakes: Former Corporators
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 20th June 2026: Three former corporators have demanded a detailed review of water hyacinth removal work carried out in the Mula-Mutha River and various lakes before any further payments are released to contractors.
Former corporators Ujjwal Keskar, Prashant Badhe, and Suhas Kulkarni have submitted a representation to the Pune Municipal Commissioner, questioning the effectiveness of the water hyacinth removal operations undertaken by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
According to information provided by the civic administration in response to a written query, nearly ₹7.97 crore has been spent over the past four years on the mechanical removal of water hyacinth from rivers and lakes. However, the former corporators have alleged that the work carried out on the ground does not justify the expenditure.
They claimed that despite substantial spending, large quantities of water hyacinth continue to remain in several water bodies. The former corporators alleged that authorities often rely on floodwaters to carry away the vegetation naturally instead of ensuring its systematic removal.
They further claimed that when floating vegetation accumulates near Bhide Bridge, only that portion is removed and recorded as completed work.
The trio also alleged irregularities in the billing process, claiming that contractors have generated bills worth crores of rupees despite carrying out only limited work. According to them, nearly 80 per cent of the water hyacinth is either pushed downstream towards Manjari Budruk or washed away during floods, raising questions about how the quantity of work is being measured.
They have urged the Municipal Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive assessment using modern technology to determine the actual extent of water hyacinth removed from rivers and lakes. Payments to contractors, they said, should be released only after on-ground verification of the completed work.
The former corporators have sought greater transparency and accountability in expenditure on river and lake cleaning projects, particularly at a time when significant public funds are being allocated for environmental management and flood mitigation measures.
