The city of Pune grapples with a pressing environmental concern as sewage pollution continues to plague the Mula Mutha River. In a bid to address this issue, the newly appointed municipal commissioner, Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, has vowed to take decisive action. Taking office on March 15, Dr. Bhosale, an IAS officer from the 2008 batch, succeeded Vikram Kumar as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) chief just ahead of the implementation of the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections.
Dr. Bhosale has wasted no time in outlining his strategy, emphasizing the immediate need for site inspections of all ongoing development projects across the city. This proactive measure is slated to commence in the coming week, underlining the commissioner’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in civic endeavors.
Addressing the rampant sewage pollution in the Mula Mutha River, Dr. Bhosale shed light on PMC’s ambitious plan to combat the issue. The commissioner revealed plans to expedite the installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs), with a targeted completion date set for March 2025. Despite the election fervor, the Central government has allocated a substantial sum of Rs. 43 crore for the Mula-Mutha Purification Project’s STP, enabling accelerated progress. Dr. Bhosale expressed optimism about the project’s prospects, citing the potential for further enhancement with an additional fund infusion of Rs. 60 crore.
The STP project, which has received Rs. 213 crore from the Central Government thus far, aims to bolster sewage collection and treatment infrastructure across PMC areas. By enhancing water quality in rivers like Mula and Mutha, the initiative seeks to mitigate environmental degradation and safeguard public health.
Amid ongoing Lok Sabha elections, the Central Government’s allocation of Rs. 43.17 crore underscores the urgency of addressing sewage pollution in Pune’s water bodies. Dr. Bhosale affirmed PMC’s pursuit of additional funds, further signaling the administration’s unwavering commitment to combating pollution and promoting sustainable development.
As Dr. Bhosale assumes leadership, Pune residents anticipate tangible progress in pollution control measures and the timely execution of civic projects under his vigilant oversight.
