Pune will host a four-kilometre riverside walk along the Mutha River this weekend as part of a broader effort to promote citizen engagement in restoring the Mula–Mutha river system. The initiative, organised by a local rotary district in collaboration with environmental groups, aims to build public awareness around the city’s declining river ecology and encourage a culture of shared stewardship among residents.
The early-morning walk, scheduled near the Panchaleshwar stretch on 14 December, is designed to attract young people, fitness communities and nature enthusiasts. Organisers said the event offers an opportunity for citizens to experience the riverfront at sunrise, when the landscape’s biodiversity becomes more visible. According to an environmental volunteer involved in planning the programme, the intention is to “shift public perception of the river from a neglected waterway to a common natural asset that deserves attention and care.”
Pune’s rivers have long been at the centre of debates on urban growth, pollution and climate resilience. Rapid construction, unmanaged sewage discharge and reduced green buffers have altered the Mula–Mutha’s ecological balance over the decades. Urban planners note that with the city’s population expanding and impermeable surfaces increasing, restoring natural systems around the rivers is not only an environmental concern but also essential for flood management and long-term liveability.The riverside walk builds on a growing trend of citizen-driven environmental movements in Indian cities. While municipal investments in river rejuvenation projects remain significant, experts stress that sustainable outcomes require active public participation. A researcher studying urban water systems said that events such as community walks, biodiversity mapping and clean-up drives “play a critical role in strengthening civic identity and ensuring that urban ecological assets are not overlooked in policy decisions.”
Participants in Sunday’s walk will be introduced to native plant species, riverbank habitats and local conservation efforts underway. Organisers have also emphasised the need to create inclusive public spaces along riverfronts, enabling residents from different age groups and backgrounds to access nature within the city. This approach aligns with Pune’s broader ambitions to integrate green infrastructure and equitable recreation zones into urban planning.City-based environmental groups believe that simple, low-cost activities such as guided walks can help embed environmental consciousness into daily routines. They argue that reconnecting residents with the riverfront could catalyse long-term behavioural shifts, making Pune more resilient, climate-aware and community-oriented.
