Pune’s First “River Festival 2025” Brings Citizens and PMC Together to Clean the Mutha River
Pune’s first River Festival mobilizes thousands to clean Mutha’s river-bed; major waste cleared, PMC to hold the event thrice annually for sustainable river revival.
Pune| December 01, 2025: Pune marked a significant environmental milestone as the city hosted its first-ever River Festival, bringing together thousands of citizens, NGOs and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) teams for a large-scale cleanup of the Mutha River. The event, themed “Clean River, Beautiful Pune,” drew an enthusiastic response from residents who gathered early in the morning to participate in a coordinated effort to restore the river’s neglected stretches.
Volunteers spread across the riverbed between Bhide Bridge and Mhatre Bridge, removing piles of accumulated waste, silt deposits, plastic, debris and overgrown vegetation. Heavy machines such as JCBs, tippers and cutting trucks assisted in clearing the riverbanks, while civic teams worked alongside citizens to ensure smooth execution. Departments handling solid waste, environment, sewage, health and traffic actively contributed, with each unit focusing on specific tasks to maximize impact.
Beyond the cleanup, the festival embraced Pune’s cultural spirit. Local dance groups performed along the riverbanks, presenting thematic acts inspired by rivers and nature. The colourful atmosphere turned the event into a celebration of civic unity, reminding participants that rivers are not just water bodies — they are cultural and emotional anchors for the city.
The turnout exceeded expectations, prompting civic officials to announce that the River Festival will now be held three times a year. The decision reflects a shift from short-term, symbolic cleanups to sustained, long-term river rejuvenation. The initiative aims to promote shared responsibility among citizens and authorities, ensuring that river maintenance becomes a consistent community practice rather than a one-time activity.
The Mutha, a crucial tributary flowing through Pune, has long struggled with pollution, encroachments, untreated sewage and careless dumping of waste. As urban growth accelerates, the river’s ecological health has deteriorated significantly. Environmentalists have repeatedly emphasized that the city must safeguard its natural water systems if it hopes to maintain ecological balance, reduce flooding and improve long-term water quality.
Events like the River Festival serve as a powerful reminder that restoring rivers is not solely a government responsibility. Public participation plays an equally vital role. When communities consistently take ownership — through awareness campaigns, cleanups, responsible waste disposal and vigilant monitoring — the possibility of real transformation increases. Pune’s first festival stands as a testament to the power of collective action.
Going forward, the challenge lies in sustaining momentum. While the festival successfully cleared waste, lasting revival requires continuous efforts: improved sewage treatment, strict enforcement against dumping, restoration of riverbanks, and the protection of natural flow paths. PMC’s plan to institutionalize the event multiple times each year, combined with long-term developmental and environmental strategies, creates a promising roadmap for the future.
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