Pune: MIT Students Continue Fifth Day Protest Against Garbage Dumping in Mula-Mutha Riverbed

MIT ADT students in Pune intensify protest for fifth day against garbage dumping in Mula-Mutha riverbed.

Pune | 18 March, 2026: In Pune, protests by students of MIT Art, Design and Technology (ADT) University in Loni Kalbhor have intensified, entering the fifth consecutive day as they continue to oppose the dumping of garbage in the Mula-Mutha riverbed. The agitation, which has drawn participation from nearly 6,000 students, reflects growing environmental and public health concerns linked to the ongoing waste disposal practices in the area.

The protest, initially launched on March 4, regained momentum after a seven-day ultimatum given to local gram panchayats expired without any concrete action. Students have been blocking garbage-laden tractors and trucks at the university’s main entrance, preventing them from accessing the riverbed dumping site. Protesters allege that around 35 to 40 tractor-loads of waste—amounting to nearly 70 tonnes—are being dumped into the riverbed daily, posing serious risks to both the environment and human health.

The situation escalated further after a major fire broke out at the dumping site on February 26, sending thick toxic smoke across the campus and surrounding areas for several days. Several students reportedly suffered breathing issues and required medical attention, highlighting the severity of the crisis. The incident has since become a central point of the protest, with students demanding immediate and permanent solutions to prevent such hazards in the future.

Despite earlier intervention by local authorities and police officials, including a temporary agreement to find an alternative waste disposal site, students claim that dumping has continued unabated. The renewed agitation underscores frustration over what they describe as administrative inaction and lack of accountability. Support from student organizations has further strengthened the protest, while police deployment has been increased around the campus to maintain law and order.

Environmental experts have also raised concerns about the long-term impact of such practices. The Mula-Mutha river, considered a lifeline of Pune, is already under pressure from urban pollution, and continued dumping of untreated waste could severely damage the ecosystem. The protest comes at a time when large-scale river rejuvenation efforts are underway in the city, making the issue even more critical.

Authorities have indicated that alternative land for waste management is being considered, but no immediate resolution has been implemented so far. Until a concrete plan is put in place, students have vowed to continue their protest and block access to the dumping route through the campus.

The ongoing agitation highlights a larger conflict between rapid urban expansion and sustainable waste management. As Pune continues to grow, the need for scientific and environmentally responsible garbage disposal systems has become increasingly urgent.

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