Pune: Mula-Mutha Flood Line Study Delayed: New Report Now Expected in 6-7 Months

Pune, 20th August 2024: A High Court-mandated committee has been formed to reassess the flood lines of Pune’s Mula and Mutha rivers, crucial waterways for the city. Initially, the report was to be submitted within four weeks, but it has now been revealed that the study will require six to seven months to complete.

The blue and red flood lines for the Mula and Mutha rivers, which flow through Pune city, were initially established in 2011 and 2016. However, these flood lines were not properly planned, overlooking significant issues such as the flooding of many drains downstream of the Khadakwasla Dam. Environmentalist Sarang Yadwadkar, Sajag Naagrik Manch President Vivek Velankar, and RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), arguing that the existing flood lines increase the risk of flooding and do not adequately protect citizens.

During a hearing on the matter, the Bombay High Court emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the flood lines. Consequently, on 26th June, the court ordered the formation of a committee chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Maharashtra State Government’s Water Resources Department, with the directive to submit its report within four weeks. Following this order, the committee was formed, including Additional Commissioner Prithviraj BP of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) as one of its members.

The committee held an online meeting today to review the flood lines established in 2011 and 2016 and the data used to determine them. The Maharashtra Government’s Irrigation Department had set these flood lines based on the factors considered relevant at the time. The committee now needs to conduct a thorough review before submitting its report to the Bombay High Court, a process expected to take six to seven months.

“There are primarily objections regarding the flood line of the Mutha River. In the committee meeting held today, we discussed the flood line established in 2016. The information collected by the Irrigation Department at that time needs to be reanalyzed. The report will then be submitted to the court. It may take at least six to seven months,” said Prithviraj BP, Additional Commissioner of PMC.

Petitioner Vivek Velankar, President of Sajag Naagrik Manch, commented, “If the committee members are committed, the report may be prepared within the timeframe set by the Bombay High Court. However, if there is a lack of determination, this work could be delayed.”