MPCB Issues Notices to Pune Municipal Corporation Over Untreated Sewage and Heavy Foaming in Mula-Mutha Rivers

MPCB warns PMC over heavy foaming in Mula-Mutha Pune rivers due to untreated sewage discharge, urging corrective action within 48 hours to protect water quality.

Pune,January 30, 2026: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued multiple notices to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) after detecting severe pollution, untreated sewage discharge, and alarming levels of foaming in the Mula and Mutha rivers, triggering renewed concern over the city’s wastewater management system. During recent inspections, regulatory authorities found that a significant volume of sewage generated in Pune continues to enter the rivers without adequate treatment, resulting in visible white foam, deteriorating water quality, and elevated pollution indicators that pose serious environmental and public health risks. Officials noted that the city produces a substantial quantity of wastewater daily, but existing sewage treatment infrastructure remains insufficient to handle the load, leading to untreated effluents flowing into the rivers through multiple open drains.

The heavy foaming, largely caused by a mix of domestic sewage, detergents and industrial waste, has been observed at several river stretches, particularly in densely populated and rapidly urbanising areas, drawing complaints from residents and environmental groups. The pollution has adversely affected aquatic life, increased foul odours, and created conditions conducive to mosquito breeding, raising fears of waterborne diseases, especially with the approach of the monsoon season. In its notices, the MPCB has directed the civic body to urgently investigate the causes of untreated sewage discharge, take immediate corrective steps to prevent further pollution, and submit a detailed action-taken report within a stipulated timeframe, warning of stricter regulatory action if compliance is not ensured. The issue of sewage entering the Mula-Mutha rivers has been persistent for several years, despite repeated directives to improve sewer connectivity, expand sewage treatment plant capacity and ensure proper operation of existing facilities, particularly in newly developed areas where infrastructure gaps remain. Environmental experts stress that temporary measures such as surface foam removal are inadequate and that long-term solutions must focus on completing pending sewage treatment projects, strengthening monitoring systems, and ensuring zero discharge of untreated waste into natural water bodies. Civic officials have acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stated that steps are being taken to address infrastructure bottlenecks, enhance treatment capacity and coordinate between departments to reduce pollution levels. The latest regulatory action has once again brought the spotlight on urban river conservation, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable wastewater management to protect Pune’s rivers, ecosystems and public health.

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