The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is actively pursuing central government funding to advance its ambitious riverfront development project, initiated with the ceremonial launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi several years ago. The project, aimed at revitalising Pune’s riverbanks and mitigating flood risks, is currently progressing through its initial phases despite facing legal challenges.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, recently chaired a comprehensive review session at the PMC headquarters, focusing prominently on the riverfront initiative among other civic projects. Key officials, including the Municipal Commissioner and City Engineer, presented detailed updates on the project’s status and underscored the urgency of securing additional financial support from the central government. “We have submitted a robust proposal seeking central assistance for the riverfront development project. The intervention of the minister could potentially unlock crucial grants to expedite our efforts,” stated the City Engineer during the review meeting. The project unfolds across six phases, with the first two phases already underway from Sangamwadi to Bund Garden and further from Bund Garden to Mundhwa. Despite encountering opposition from environmental activists and legal challenges in forums such as the National Green Tribunal (NGT), PMC remains steadfast in its commitment to enhance Pune’s riverine infrastructure.
Central to the project’s objectives is the mitigation of urban flooding by addressing existing manmade impediments along the river’s course. The initiative aims to streamline and reconstruct these structures strategically to minimise flood risks and enhance the city’s resilience against natural calamities. Furthermore, it envisages creating continuous public spaces along Pune’s riverbanks, facilitating seamless movement for residents and visitors alike. “The riverfront development project not only seeks to improve flood management but also aims to enhance Pune’s urban aesthetics and public accessibility along the riverside,” highlighted officials involved in the project. Looking ahead, PMC’s concerted efforts to secure central funding underscore its determination to advance sustainable urban development initiatives amidst environmental concerns and legal complexities. The forthcoming phases of the project are poised to transform Pune’s riverfront into a vibrant urban asset, aligning with broader urban planning goals for the city.
