Pune's Sangamwadi RFD Stretch Opens Amid Environmental Concerns

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will inaugurate the first phase of the Riverfront Development (RFD) project along a 1.5-km stretch in Sangamwadi on February 15. The RFD project spans the entire 44-km length of the Mula and Mutha rivers flowing through Pune. However, environmental advocates have raised concerns and opposed the project, demanding that future expansion be halted.

In the initial phase, work on a 3.7-km stretch between Sangamwadi and Bund Garden was prioritized, with approximately 90% of the work now complete. The 1.5-km Sangamwadi portion is fully ready. Expansion is currently underway on other sections, including a 5.5-km stretch from Bund Garden to Mundhwa and an 8.1-km stretch between Aundh and Balewadi. The PMC plans to develop various civic amenities, such as theme parks, along the riverfront, according to civic officials.

PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram stated, 'The project will provide residents with a natural environment equipped with modern amenities for walking, cycling, and recreation.' However, environmentalist Prajkta Divekar argues that the Pune RFD is a vanity project. 'It is neither rejuvenation nor is it connecting people to rivers. It is just a permanent construction on the banks. The project is disruptive, as it destroys the existing diversity of the ecosystem along the banks and imposes an unnatural uniformity,' she said.

The PMC should have focused on reviving the river, protecting and preserving biodiversity, while creating recreational spaces for children and families. 'A large amount of money is being spent on little gains,' she added.

Critics have also expressed concerns that the RFD project could significantly impact the river's ecosystem, potentially leading to increased flooding during the monsoon season. Additionally, they believe the project is primarily driven by real estate development.

The project is divided into phases, with stretches like Sangamwadi to Bund Garden and Bund Garden to Mundhwa being prioritized. Earlier in January, over 2,500 citizens gathered in Baner for a Chipko agitation, protesting against projects they believe are destroying the Mula, Mutha, Pavana, and Indrayani rivers.

Civic officials noted that in November 2024, the PMC received environmental clearance for its Mula-Mutha riverfront development project, which involves embanking the river, felling trees, and constructing a recreational space. Similarly, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation received clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority for the Indrayani and Mula river rejuvenation project.

Despite these clearances, the project continues to face significant opposition from environmental groups and concerned citizens who fear the long-term ecological consequences.