Pune Residents Fund River Cleanup Amidst Official Neglect

Residents of a Pune township have taken matters into their own hands, spending Rs 2 lakh to remove a thick layer of water lettuce choking the Mula river. This action followed two years of unheeded complaints to various authorities, including the PMRDA and MIDC. The invasive aquatic plant, Pistia stratiotes, has caused a foul odor and created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising concerns about river water quality.

Akash Bokade, a retired irrigation official, spearheaded the crowdfunding effort, which began in March 2026. He noted that regular maintenance, costing approximately Rs 50,000 every three months, could have prevented the current extensive problem. Despite numerous emails and letters sent since March 2024, authorities have provided no on-ground support, prompting residents to act.

Residents identified the absence of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in upstream villages like Maan and Marunji as a primary contributor to the river's pollution. This untreated sewage, along with debris from temporary bridge construction, exacerbates the water lettuce overgrowth and river stagnation. Officials acknowledge the issue, with the MPCB stating the need for STPs is high, while PMRDA claims clearing hyacinth is the gram panchayat's responsibility.

The township developer stated that a temporary earthen bund from bridge construction is restricting natural river flow, contributing to the accumulation. They emphasized the need for coordinated action from all agencies for pre-monsoon preparedness. This situation highlights a significant gap in environmental responsibility and citizen-led solutions becoming a necessity due to governmental delays.