Pune’s ambitious Mula-Mutha riverfront development project, which has been in the works for years, is finally back on track after overcoming a series of legal and environmental challenges. The project, which was halted due to opposition from environmentalists, has now resumed with full force following the clearance of all legal obstacles.
As the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) prepares to move forward with the riverfront development, it has committed to spending approximately Rs 2 crore on a comprehensive tree plantation initiative as part of its river rejuvenation plan. The project, initially met with protests from environmental groups due to concerns about large-scale tree felling, sparked a legal battle that led to the intervention of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Environmentalists, led by prominent activist Sarang Yadwadkar, filed a petition questioning the potential environmental impact of the development. Issues such as river flooding, tree cutting, and other ecological concerns were raised during the hearings. Consequently, the NGT ordered the PMC to halt work on the project until it obtained revised environmental clearances. The delay was exacerbated by the time it took for the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to review and grant the necessary permissions. However, after much deliberation and the submission of additional reports, including a detailed technical analysis on flood-related data, the PMC was able to secure the requisite environmental clearances. The tribunal’s ruling also imposed restrictions on activities like pruning, tree cutting, and transplantation, which caused further delays in the project’s timeline.
With legal hurdles now cleared, the riverfront development is moving ahead with renewed vigour. As part of the river rejuvenation plan, PMC’s garden department has initiated a tender process for a large-scale tree plantation project, ensuring the long-term maintenance of the greenery along the riverbanks. Four organisations participated in the tender process, with Pune-based Ishwari Associates winning the contract with a bid 16.2% lower than the estimated cost. The proposal is now awaiting approval from the PMC’s standing committee. This project will span five years, encompassing not only the planting of trees but also their ongoing maintenance. The PMC’s commitment to a greener riverfront is a step towards balancing urban development with environmental sustainability. While the project’s costs are significant, the addition of over 2 crore rupees for tree planting highlights the civic body’s focus on ecological considerations amid growing concerns about urbanisation.
The riverfront development will span 44 kilometres, at an estimated cost of Rs 4,727 crore, and is divided into 11 phases. The initial stages of development, which were postponed due to environmental concerns, will now focus on improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for local residents. Despite the protests, PMC has remained firm in its belief that the project will help revitalise the Mula-Mutha river, an area long in need of rejuvenation. As Pune continues to grapple with the challenges of rapid urbanisation, the Mula-Mutha riverfront project seeks to strike a balance between development and environmental preservation. The success of this endeavour will serve as a key example of how cities can pursue sustainable growth while being mindful of ecological impact. The city’s residents, activists, and developers alike will be watching closely as the project enters its next phase.
In the end, the Mula-Mutha riverfront project represents an ambitious step forward for Pune—one that aims to blend the city’s rich heritage with its future as a growing metropolis. By investing in green initiatives and overcoming legal and environmental hurdles, PMC hopes to create a model of urban development that can inspire other cities in India and beyond.
