Pune River Festival to Become Institutional Movement, Says PMC Chief Naval Kishore Ram

PMC plans to turn Pune River Festival into a long-term institutional movement to boost river conservation and citizen participation.

Pune, April 22, 2026: In a significant step towards sustainable urban ecology, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced plans to transform the Pune River Festival into a long-term institutional movement aimed at restoring and preserving the city’s rivers. Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram stated that the initiative will go beyond a one-time event and evolve into a continuous civic engagement platform.

Speaking about the vision, Ram emphasized that rivers are not just water bodies but vital lifelines of the city that require collective responsibility. The move comes amid growing concerns over pollution, encroachments, and ecological degradation of rivers like the Mula River and Mutha River, which have long struggled with environmental stress due to rapid urbanisation.

The River Festival, which has seen participation from environmentalists, students, NGOs, and citizens, is now expected to be scaled up with structured programs, awareness drives, and year-round activities. The PMC aims to integrate river conservation into city planning, education, and public participation initiatives, making it a sustained movement rather than a symbolic celebration.

Officials indicated that future editions of the festival will include river clean-up drives, biodiversity awareness programs, cultural activities, and expert-led discussions on water conservation. There are also plans to collaborate with academic institutions and environmental organisations to build a knowledge-driven approach to river restoration.

Experts believe that institutionalising such initiatives can create long-term impact by ensuring continuity, funding, and accountability. Citizen involvement, especially from youth and local communities, is expected to play a crucial role in the success of the movement.

The announcement also aligns with broader environmental goals, including improving water quality, enhancing green spaces along riverbanks, and promoting sustainable urban development practices.

By turning the River Festival into an institutional movement, Pune is taking a step toward long-term environmental responsibility. The success of this initiative will depend on consistent efforts, policy support, and active participation from citizens.

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