Pune: Environmentalists from Pune emphasised that civic administration and other authorities should urgently take steps to increase capacity of the Mula and Mutha rivers as the flood risk has gone up by 40% in the last 14 years in civic areas.The group of environmentalists, while speaking at a press conference, said many residential areas in Pune were submerged on Aug 20 as well as in July 2024 after the floods in the Mula and Mutha rivers. Thousands of citizens residing along the riverbanks had to be relocated. A risky situation was created even when dams released relatively less water.The group filed RTI and as per the information collected by them, the water resources department (WRD) determined the blue flood line of Mula-Mutha in 2011 at 1,18,000 cusecs flow. This flood level is also known as the ‘warning level’. The blue flood line level near Bundgarden barrage is 542.45 m, which means a flow of 1,18,000 cusecs at Bundgarden barrage should pass without crossing the level of 542.45 m.In reality, according to WRD statistics, the situation is critical. Around 8am on July 25, 2024, a flow of 69,111 cusecs at Bundgarden reached a level of 542.6 m. In the evening of the same day, a flow of 88,888 cusecs reached a level of 543.40 m.On Aug 20, 2025, a flow of 71,408 cusecs at Bundgarden was flowing at a 542.70 m level.Essentially, a mark at Bundgarden barrage that must be crossed when the flow is at 1,18,000, is frequently being passed at just 58% of that flow. In other words, the flood carrying capacity of the river has reduced by at least 40%. “This is alarming for Pune city. And of course, the local administration is primarily responsible for this situation,” said Sarang Yadwadkar, an environmental expert.“Despite raising this issue at numerous occasions, politicians and administration have not paid attention. Common citizens have been suffering,” said Pushkar Kulkarni, an activist.“The administration and political leadership should take immediate scientific and sustainable steps to restore the rivers,” said Vivek Velankar of Sajag Nagarik Manch, a citizens’ group.According to the irrigation department, efforts have been taken for better management of flooding and reducing its probability. Surveys of the frequent flooding spots have been carried out and initiatives like desilting were conducted regularly.“The irrigation department and PMC have been carrying out joint projects to reduce the threats of flooding. These initiatives were aimed at increasing the carrying capacity of the rivers,” said Shweta Kurhade, a senior official of the irrigation department.
