Pune’s Ramnadi, once a vibrant lifeline, is now a sewage channel, prompting the National Green Tribunal to issue a six-month ultimatum for its restoration. The community awaits action as authorities face scrutiny for their negligence.
Pune | 29 July, 2025: The Ramnadi, a river that once nurtured ecosystems and communities in Pune, has become a tragic symbol of environmental neglect, choked with untreated sewage and waste. On July 28, 2025, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Pune issued a stern directive to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), and local gram panchayats, demanding a comprehensive cleanup of the river within six months. Failure to comply could lead to criminal consequences, as the tribunal condemned the authorities for allowing the river to deteriorate into a dumping ground.
The outcry began with a petition from Bavdhan resident Kunal Ghare, who highlighted the dire state of Ramnadi, where 23 separate points discharge raw sewage, some through stormwater drains meant to carry rainwater. This pollution has transformed the river into a health hazard, threatening both the environment and the well-being of nearby residents. The NGT criticized the lack of basic sewage infrastructure in areas like Bhugaon and Bhukum gram panchayats and the PMC’s failure to address the issue in its jurisdiction, including newly merged villages. The river’s plight reflects a broader pattern of mismanagement, with drainage lines directly feeding sewage into its waters, violating environmental norms.
The tribunal’s order is a wake-up call for Pune’s authorities, who have been allocated significant funds, including Rs 1,000 crore from a Japan-backed project, to address river pollution. Yet, Ramnadi, like the Mula-Mutha, continues to suffer, raising questions about accountability and the effective use of resources. The NGT has mandated immediate steps, including stopping all illegal waste dumping, installing sewage treatment plants, and establishing proper drainage systems. It also warned that anyone caught dumping waste along the riverbanks will face strict legal action, signaling a zero-tolerance approach.
For the people of Pune, Ramnadi’s decline is more than an environmental issue—it’s a loss of heritage and a threat to public health. The river’s pollution impacts Pashan Lake, further amplifying the ecological damage. Local residents, environmentalists, and activists are rallying for change, urging authorities to act swiftly to restore the river’s health. The NGT’s ruling offers hope, but it also underscores the urgency of collective responsibility to protect natural resources.
As the six-month deadline looms, the focus is on whether the PMC, PMRDA, and gram panchayats can deliver on their promises. The community is watching closely, hoping to see Ramnadi flow clean again, free from the burden of neglect. This moment is a chance to not only save a river but also set a precedent for environmental stewardship in Pune.
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