Mula-Mutha River Rejuvenation Project to be completed by March 2025: Union Minister of Water Power
Dancing gave a reason for ‘Amma’ to live against all odds and societal taboos of life
Pune: Union Water Power Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced that the Mula-Mutha River Rejuvenation Project will be completed by March 2025 while inaugurating the Dhara 2023 International Meeting. Dhara 2023, a two-day international meeting on urban river management, began in Pune on Monday.
While inaugurating Section 2023 Hon’ble Union Water Power Minister Shri. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, “Rejuvenation of rivers is a core part of our work in Maharashtra. In this, the work of Pune Municipal Corporation is commendable and they have achieved significant progress. In Mula-Mutha River Project, we have overcome the major problem of providing space for 11 sewage treatment plants. I thank the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra for looking into this and reassuring the people of Pune of the early completion of this project.”
In the first session of the second day of the meeting, RCA member cities presented their work on urban rivers. In the meantime, Pune Municipal Commissioner presented six important problems related to the Mula-Mutha river and Mula-Mutha (confluence of both rivers) and proposed the following measures: 1) Cleaning of rivers to free them from pollution, 2) Reducing the risk of flooding, 3) Creating a system that allows residents to access the riverbanks, 4) Water reuse, 5) Improving the relationship between the city and the riverbank, 6) Existing heritage structures, recreation, Integrated facilities for religious, socio-cultural activities and ecosystem improvement. The Mula-Mutha River Rejuvenation Project will operate sewage treatment plants and the funds will be used to improve sanitation. In the Pune Municipal Corporation area. The project will have 55 km of large-diameter sewer main and 11 new sewage treatment plants treating 396 million litres of sewage per day. This will improve the water quality.
Pune Municipal Commissioner, Vikram Kumar said, “In Pune, we have started the project in a dual structure. The cleaning of the rivers for which grants have been received from the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) will also beautify the river. The journey of MulaMutha in the city is 44 km. In the first phase, work will be done on nine km. Rivers will be cleaned, beautified and ensured that no sewage enters the river without treatment. Sewage treatment plants will be established for this. At the same time, it will be ensured that the river will flow perennially by constructing ghats and dams along the river. We are very thankful to the Government of India for providing funds for this project and assure you that this project will be completed in the next three years. This project will make Pune a highly livable city in the country.”
About 300 representatives of river towns across the country participated in the two-day international meeting that ended on Tuesday. Municipal Commissioners, Additional Commissioners, Chief Engineers, Senior Planners and scholars from across the country, water safety experts, financial experts and other experts participated in this. G Ashok, Director General of Swachh Ganga National Mission, announced that next year Dhara 2024 RCA International meeting will be held in Gwalior.
The Prime Minister appreciated Article 2023 for keeping the important issue of Water Security central
In a message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the concerted efforts of RCA and its partners for Section 2023. This message was read out in the meeting. This is the proudest moment in Dhara 2023. Prime Minister’s Message: “Glad to learn about the Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers (Article 2023) Forum organized by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) in Pune. NIUA serving as the Technical Secretariat of Urban20 (U20) under India’s G20 Chairmanship adds to the pride and honour of this occasion.”
‘Water security’ underlines the most important concern for all nations and societies of the world. In view of the challenges of the 21st century, the availability of water is an important issue, said the Prime Minister’s message. “Rivers have always held a central place in India’s heritage and values, and rivers have been a source of spiritual inspiration, purification and inspiration…..we seek to introduce a new kind of approach to river cities. A step in this direction is the establishment of the River Cities Alliance connecting 107 cities across the country.”
