Solid debris blocks natural flow of Mutha River in Pune

PUNE: In the midst of severe floods in various parts of India, a recent survey has revealed that dumping of solid waste by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MahaMetro) along Mutha river is one of the major reasons behind the obstruction of flow of the river.

The report was prepared by a joint committee which comprise of the district collector, officials from the water resource department, state and central pollution control board and other officials concerned that visited the site after city-based activists raised their voice before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The activists had pointed out that there were 12 locations along the river where illegal dumping of construction debris was found and filed the case on July 23 with the NGT.

After the NGT directed respective officials to prepare a report on the issue raised by the activists, it was found that encroachments along the riverbank has led to major obstructions to the flow of the river. Nearly 40 families resided there illegally and had been provided with facilities like water, electricity and sanitation. The construction debris dumped by MahaMetro added to the mess and escalated the problem, blocking and modifying the natural flow of the river.

According to the report, respective civic bodies such as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) have been asked to take responsibility and remove solid waste/debris dumped along the Mula, Mutha and Pavana rivers.