Pune: The Mula-Mutha River Rejuvenation project, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has achieved over 70% completion, yet its progress faces delays due to funding issues.
The central government had allocated ₹690 crore in its budget for the project, but the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has yet to receive these funds, affecting ongoing work and resulting in unpaid contractor dues of nearly ₹100 crore.
The project, launched in March 2022 with a target completion date in 2025, aims to clean the heavily polluted Mula-Mutha rivers by constructing 11 sewage treatment plants.
These plants are designed to treat wastewater before it enters the river, significantly reducing pollution levels. While structural work has been completed at 10 sites, disputes over land at the Botanical Garden of the Agricultural College have slowed progress at one location. Electrical and technical installations have now begun.
The central government is expected to provide a total of ₹990 crore for the project through JICA. So far, ₹250 crore has been disbursed, while the PMC has spent an additional ₹200 crore from its own funds.
The total expenditure to date stands at ₹450 crore. However, no funds have been released since April 2024, and despite multiple follow-ups with the central government, there has been no response.
This lack of funds has caused the contractor’s outstanding dues to accumulate to ₹100 crore, with further delays potentially affecting the project’s timeline.
The project’s key components include the construction of 11 sewage treatment plants across the city, with capacities ranging from 7 million liters per day (MLD) to 127 MLD.
The overall cost for the pipeline and treatment centers is estimated at ₹1,173 crore, with an additional ₹300 crore allocated for maintenance over 15 years.
The PMC will need ₹671 crore over the next year to continue work, particularly for the installation of critical machinery. Without timely financial support from the central government, the project may face further delays, putting its 2025 completion target at risk.
Superintendent Engineer Jagdish Khanore of PMC stated, "Work is progressing, but the timely release of funds is crucial for maintaining momentum. We are in constant communication with the central government to resolve this issue."
Key figures related to the project:
36 months timeline for project completion
₹1,173 crore for pipeline and 11 treatment centers
₹300.21 crore for 15 years of maintenance
Total funding from the central government: ₹990 crore
Total funds received so far: ₹250 crore
Total expenditure so far: ₹450 crore
₹671 crore required over the next year
Sewage treatment plants and their capacities (MLD):
Naidu - 127
Bhairoba - 75
Dhanori - 33
Kharadi - 30
Warje - 28
Wadgaon - 26
Mundhwa - 20
Fisheries Center - 7
Tanajiwadi - 15
Baner - 25
Botanical Garden - 10
