PCMC gets environment clearance from SEIAA for Pavana river rejuvenation project

Time of India

09-07-2025

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Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has received the long-pending environmental clearance for its Rs1,440 crore Pavana river rejuvenation project.
The project was delayed for over six years as the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) had directed the civic body to revise its proposal multiple times.
The approval comes at a time when riverfront development projects in both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are facing strong resistance from environmentalists and residents. Sanjay Kulkarni, city engineer and head of PCMC's environment department, told TOI that the civic body will move ahead with the tendering process only after securing funds from central and state govts.
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Earlier, PCMC had submitted a proposal to the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD), requesting financial assistance for river rejuvenation projects across all three rivers flowing through its limits — Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani.
Kulkarni added that the project includes measures for pollution control and flood mitigation, along with beautification efforts, similar to those being implemented under the Mula-Mutha riverfront development in Pune.
"This project is crucial for riverbank protection, erosion prevention, biodiversity enhancement, creation of nesting and habitation areas for birds, and promoting aquatic life in the river and nearby reservoirs.
Overall, it aims at the natural rejuvenation of the river," Kulkarni said.
The Pavana river spans 24.4km within PCMC's jurisdiction. A detailed project report (DPR) on the project was prepared with expert consultation, incorporating pollution and flood mitigation strategies following an in-depth river survey.
The proposal for environmental clearance was initially submitted in Dec 2019 and later approved by the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC-3) in Aug 2023 before sending it to SEIAA for final approval.
Last year, SEIAA directed PCMC to revise and resubmit the proposal only after incorporating reports from the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS). A senior PCMC official confirmed that hydrology and hydraulic studies were conducted by CWPRS experts and submitted along with the revised proposal to SEIAA.
Meanwhile, PCMC has already begun rejuvenation work on the Mula River near Sangvi. Environmental activists have raised concerns over multiple violations during ongoing work.
Several protests were also organised under the banner of Pune-PCMC River Revival group over the last few months to oppose the project.
Last year, the civic body received environment clearance for the river rejuvenation project proposed over the Indrayani. PCMC has already completed the tendering procedure for the same, and work is likely to start soon.
Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has received the long-pending environmental clearance for its Rs1,440 crore Pavana river rejuvenation project.
The project was delayed for over six years as the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) had directed the civic body to revise its proposal multiple times.
The approval comes at a time when riverfront development projects in both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are facing strong resistance from environmentalists and residents. Sanjay Kulkarni, city engineer and head of PCMC's environment department, told TOI that the civic body will move ahead with the tendering process only after securing funds from central and state govts.
Earlier, PCMC had submitted a proposal to the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD), requesting financial assistance for river rejuvenation projects across all three rivers flowing through its limits — Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani.
Kulkarni added that the project includes measures for pollution control and flood mitigation, along with beautification efforts, similar to those being implemented under the Mula-Mutha riverfront development in Pune.
"This project is crucial for riverbank protection, erosion prevention, biodiversity enhancement, creation of nesting and habitation areas for birds, and promoting aquatic life in the river and nearby reservoirs. Overall, it aims at the natural rejuvenation of the river," Kulkarni said.
The Pavana river spans 24.4km within PCMC's jurisdiction. A detailed project report (DPR) on the project was prepared with expert consultation, incorporating pollution and flood mitigation strategies following an in-depth river survey.
The proposal for environmental clearance was initially submitted in Dec 2019 and later approved by the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC-3) in Aug 2023 before sending it to SEIAA for final approval.
Last year, SEIAA directed PCMC to revise and resubmit the proposal only after incorporating reports from the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS). A senior PCMC official confirmed that hydrology and hydraulic studies were conducted by CWPRS experts and submitted along with the revised proposal to SEIAA.
Meanwhile, PCMC has already begun rejuvenation work on the Mula River near Sangvi. Environmental activists have raised concerns over multiple violations during ongoing work. Several protests were also organised under the banner of Pune-PCMC River Revival group over the last few months to oppose the project.
Last year, the civic body received environment clearance for the river rejuvenation project proposed over the Indrayani. PCMC has already completed the tendering procedure for the same, and work is likely to start soon.