Pune’s Mula-Mutha riverbeds are facing a serious risk of flooding due to unchecked debris dumping, warn environmental activists and local residents. Despite claims by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) of increased vigilance, activists argue that meaningful action remains elusive. Recent figures indicate an alarming rise in debris dumping violations: October recorded 63 cases, the highest of the year, with fines totalling Rs 2.25 lakh. Previous months reveal a pattern of neglect, with 46 cases recorded in September and lower but still concerning numbers each month prior. Activists and residents express deep concern that this unsustainable practice not only mars Pune’s natural beauty but also poses a grave flood risk for low-lying areas.
The Mula-Mutha river, which flows through Pune, is increasingly constricted by illegal dumping on its banks, particularly in sensitive zones like the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Once a serene refuge for wildlife, the sanctuary now endures relentless dumping by trucks and tractors, narrowing the river’s natural storm drainage and threatening its ecosystems. An activist lamented, “The sanctuary and its waterways are being choked, reducing the river’s ability to flow freely during monsoons. Without intervention, overflow and waterlogging in low-lying areas will worsen.” This negligence undermines both local biodiversity and public safety, with residents at risk of potential flooding.
Local communities also criticise PMC’s fragmented oversight and lenient approach toward offenders. Areas like Kalyani Nagar are particularly affected, where vast tracts of private land along the riverbank have become dumping grounds. The vice-chairperson of Team Kalyani Nagar Forum highlighted how property owners use debris for landfilling, intensifying flood risks when monsoon waters surge from upstream dams. Furthermore, nearby residential communities face additional hazards, as construction debris is not only dumped but also burned, releasing toxic fumes that exacerbate air pollution. The lack of comprehensive waste management reflects a glaring gap in Pune’s urban planning.
From a sustainability perspective, unchecked debris dumping on riverbeds undermines Pune’s environmental resilience. With inadequate monitoring and inconsistent punitive measures, PMC’s current policies fall short of creating a safe and sustainable urban ecosystem. An official from PMC’s Solid Waste Management Department confirmed that while efforts to control debris dumping include spot fines, the issue persists due to offenders’ disregard for open and litigated land boundaries. Activists argue that PMC must adopt stricter controls, improved monitoring systems, and better collaboration with local communities to ensure effective action against unauthorised dumping. With the monsoon season posing increasing risks, timely intervention is critical to prevent further ecological and civic deterioration.
As Pune grapples with these pressing civic issues, the urgent need for sustainable waste management and stricter civic controls becomes evident. Implementing responsible urban planning and safeguarding natural waterways will not only protect Pune’s vulnerable communities but also promote a more sustainable future for the city.
