Pune: The illegal dumping of construction debris within the blue flood line of the Mutha River from the Karvenagar side has resumed, despite the risk of flooding and prior warnings from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
The dumping, which began again after the monsoon rains ceased, is raising concerns over potential environmental damage and the risk of future flooding.
In July, when 35,000 cusecs of water were released from the Khadakwasla dam, several neighborhoods, including Vitthalnagar, Ektanagar, Nimbajnagar, Patil Estate, Shantinagar, Yerwada, and Pulachiwadi, experienced severe flooding.
Hundreds of homes were submerged, leading to significant property damage. This flooding was largely attributed to encroachments and the illegal dumping of debris into the riverbed, which obstructed the natural flow of water.
Following the floods, the PMC took action and removed around 300 truckloads of debris from the Karvenagar side of the river. However, despite this clean-up operation, the illegal dumping has resumed in recent weeks, with trucks openly dumping debris in broad daylight.
Local residents have reported that the land is being leveled for commercial purposes after the dumping, contributing to ongoing encroachment on the riverbed.
Responsibility for taking action against the illegal dumping lies with the construction department and the Warje-Karvenagar regional office. However, local officials have been accused of negligence, allowing landowners to continue the practice unchecked. While complaints have been raised with the PMC, little has been done to halt the activity.
After the issue was brought to the attention of the municipal administration, investigations were launched. “We have received instructions to investigate the illegal dumping of debris within the blue flood line of the Mutha River near Karvenagar.
We are identifying the responsible parties, and legal action will be taken against them,” said Prashant Waghmare, City Engineer of the PMC.
