Pune: The Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) project aimed at reducing pollution in the Mula-Mutha rivers, run by the central government under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) initiative, has achieved 70 per cent completion. Despite this progress, the central government is now withholding further funds necessary for the project's continuation.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has not received the first quarter funds for this year from the Ministry of Jal Shakti. As a result, contractor bills amounting to ₹65 crores remain unpaid.
If funding delays persist, the project’s progress may be severely impacted. The PMC has urgently requested the central government to release the necessary funds.
The JICA-funded project aims to process sewage and wastewater in Pune, with STPs being constructed at 11 locations. Except for the STP at the Botanical Garden of Agriculture College, 70 per cent of the construction work for the other 10 centers is complete, and installation of electro-mechanical equipment has begun.
However, the PMC has not received the required funds from the central government, jeopardizing further progress. PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has written to the Secretary of the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, seeking immediate funds.
Project in Jeopardy
The project, initiated by the central government, requires 85 per cent funding from the center and 15 per cent from the PMC. To date, the central government has provided only ₹250 crores, while the expenses have exceeded this amount.
The NRCD needs to release funds to the PMC quarterly. Despite entering the second quarter of this fiscal year, the PMC has not received the ₹132 crores for the first quarter (April to June).
Given the larger scale of work planned for the second quarter, the PMC has requested a total of ₹343 crores by September, combining the first and second quarter requirements.
This includes the PMC’s 15 per cent contribution to continue the project without delay. With ₹65 crores in pending contractor bills, immediate funding is essential to avoid halting the project.
"Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, PMC Commissioner, has recently sent a letter requesting increased funding from the central government for the JICA project. The request is for ₹343 crores to cover the first and second quarters," stated Jagdish Khanore, Superintendent Engineer, JICA Project, PMC
Locations of STP Centers
Warje
Vadgaon
Kharadi
Mundhwa
Bhairoba Nala
Hadapsar
Naidu Hospital
Baner
Dhanori
Narveer Tanaji Wadi
Financial Overview
Total required project funding: ₹990 crores
Funds received from the central government: ₹250 crores
Expenditure to date: ₹418 crores
