Riverfront project under scrutiny: Are environmental norms being violated in Pune?

Riverfront project under scrutiny as Maharashtra orders probe into alleged environmental violations, directing PMC and concerned departments to submit a detailed report after on-site inspection.

Pune, 25 April | 2026: The Maharashtra government has taken serious note of complaints alleging violations of environmental clearance conditions in Pune’s riverfront development project. Authorities have directed the Pune Municipal Corporation, the Water Resources Department, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit an urgent report.

Officials have also been instructed to include the complainant in the investigation process, ensuring transparency during the review. The project had received environmental clearance from the Union Environment Ministry on November 12, 2024, with strict conditions, including adherence to guidelines issued in a May 3, 2018 circular by the Water Resources Department.

As per these guidelines, no alteration is permitted in the river’s width or flow capacity. However, the complainant, Sarang Yadavadkar, has alleged that the project involves reducing the river’s width and cross-section over a stretch of nearly 44 kilometers, which could significantly impact its flood-carrying capacity.

Further concerns have been raised over discrepancies in flood data used in the project design. It is claimed that figures used in the project differ substantially from those provided by the Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute, potentially underestimating flood risks.

The complaint was formally submitted to the Environment Ministry on March 6, 2026. Following this, on April 13, authorities were instructed to conduct a site visit, hold discussions with stakeholders, and submit a comprehensive report. The complainant has also written to civic and state officials seeking an early meeting to address the issue.

Meanwhile, project officials have maintained that all work is being carried out in compliance with environmental norms and with due consideration for ecological preservation. The findings of the inquiry are now awaited, with significant public attention focused on the outcome.

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