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KAVERI COLLEGE 1
A STUDY OF MULA MUTHA RIVER:
INTRODUCTION
• The Mula-Mutha River originates in the Sahyadri Range of the Western Ghats and flows
through Pune, one of India's fastest-growing cities. Pune's population explosion and rapid
urbanization have put tremendous pressure on the river, resulting in numerous environments.
• Mutha originates at a village named Vegare, in the Western Ghats, about 45 km to the west
of Pune and has two tributaries, Ambi and Moshi. The Mutha is dammed at Temghar, while
its two tributaries Ambi and Moshi are dammed at Panshet and Warasgaon respectively.
• The Mula-Mutha is a river in India, formed by the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers
in the city of Pune, which later meets the Bhima River, which itself later meets the Krishna
River and finally emptying to the Bay of Bengal.
• It is formed by the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers. The Mula-Mutha River plays a
significant role in the water supply and drainage system of Pune, but it has faced pollution
and environmental challenges over the years. Efforts have been made to improve its water
quality.
• . In 2014, the Government of Maharashtra announced that the Pune Municipal Corporation
would build new Sewage treatment plants to ensure that no sewage would be dumped into
the river.
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JOURNEY OF MULA RIVER:
The Mula is a river in Pune, India. It is dammed near the Western Ghats at the Mulshi Dam that
forms the Mulshi Lake. Further downstream, in Pune city, it merges with the Pawana River on
the left bank and Mutha River on the right bank to form the Mula-Mutha river, which later meets
the Bhima River.The river forms the boundary between the limits of the Pimpri-Chinchwad
Municipal Corporation and the Pune Municipal Corporation.This river goes from center of Pune
city.
(Refrence:Google)
JOURNEY OF MUTHA RIVER:
The Mutha River is a river in western Maharashtra, India. It arises in the Western Ghats and
flows eastward until it merges with the Mula River in the city of Pune. It has been dammed
twice, first at the Panshet Dam (on the Ambi River), used as a source of drinking water for Pune
city and irrigation. The water released here is dammed again at Khadakwasla and is an important
source of drinking water for Pune. One more dam has been built later on the Mutha river at
Temghar. After merging with the Mula River in Pune, it flows on as the Mula-Mutha River to
join the Bhima River. In 2014, the Government of Maharashtra announced that the Pune
Municipal Corporation would build new Sewage treatment plants to ensure that no sewage
would be dumped into the river.
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(Reference:Google)
• Mutha river originates at a village named Vegare, in the Western Ghats, about 45 km
to the west of Pune. Mutha river has two tributaries, Ambi and Moshi.
• There are two dams on Mutha river, at Temghar and at hadakwasla. There are two
dams, Panshet on Ambi and Warsgaon on Moshi
• After confluence, the joint flow of Ambi and Moshi joins Mutha river just before
Khadakwasla dam reservoir.
• Mula and Mutha river meet near the College of Engineering, Pune. After confluence
the river is known as Mula-Mutha. Mula-Mutha meet Bhima river at Ranjangaon
Saandas in Shirur Tehsil.
• Bhima river meets Krishna river in the state of Karnataka. Krishna river ultimately
drains into Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh.
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• They hold great significance for the city, both historically and in the present. Pune
originated along the banks of the Mutha River as is evident from the discovery of
ancient human habitation along its shores.
• In the case of Pune, the Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a comprehensive
project called the Mula-Mutha Riverfront Development Project (RFD) throughout the
entire Pune Municipal Corporation region. The project seeks to address concerns over
pollution and inaccessibility to the river by establishing a promenade along the rivers.
OBSERVATION:
• The objectives for the Mula-Mutha River in Pune, India, typically revolve around
improving water quality, enhancing flood control measures, promoting sustainable
development along its banks, and ensuring the overall ecological health of the river.
These objectives aim to create a better living environment for the city's residents and
protect the river ecosystem. Specific initiatives may include wastewater treatment,
afforestation, and floodplain management, among others.
• Pollution: The most pressing issue facing the Mula-Mutha River is pollution.
Industrial effluents, sewage, and solid waste disposal have contaminated the river
water. The high levels of pollution have severely affected the water quality, making it
unsafe for human consumption and aquatic life.
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• Siltation: Due to unchecked construction and deforestation in the catchment area, the
river faces significant siltation issues. This reduces the river's capacity to carry water
and increases the risk of flooding.
• Biodiversity Loss: The pollution and degradation of the river have resulted in a loss
of biodiversity. Aquatic species that once thrived in the Mula-Mutha River are now
endangered or extinct in the region.
• Water Scarcity: Paradoxically, despite the presence of a river, parts of Pune face
water scarcity issues. This is because the river's water is heavily polluted and
unusable, leading to the city's increasing dependence on groundwater.
The following efforts & measures are by Pune Municipal Corporation taken to reduce
the level of pollution in Mula Mutha River
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• Riverfront Development: Plans for riverfront development aim to restore and beautify
the riverbanks while creating public spaces. These projects also include initiatives to
prevent further encroachments. The proposal prepared by HCP Design, Planning and
Management Pvt. Ltd. points towards concretisation of the entire 44 km stretch of
Mula-Mutha riverfront. The project aims to control the river flow, build barrages, and
develop the riparian zone for retail, entertainment and parking.
• Afforestation and Catchment Area Management: Efforts are being made to restore the
catchment area of the river by promoting afforestation and preventing illegal
construction and deforestation.: Efforts are being made to restore the catchment area
of the river by promoting afforestation and preventing illegal construction and
deforestation.
OBJECTIVES:
The objectives for the Mula-Mutha River in Pune, India, typically revolve around
improving water quality, enhancing flood control measures, promoting sustainable
development along its banks, and ensuring the overall ecological health of the river.
These objectives aim to create a better living environment for the city's residents and
protect the river ecosystem. Specific initiatives may include wastewater treatment,
afforestation, and floodplain management, among others.
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These objectives aim to create a better living environment for the city's residents and
protect the river ecosystem. Specific initiatives may include wastewater treatment,
afforestation, and floodplain management, among others the most pressing issue
facing the Mula-Mutha River is pollution. Industrial effluents, sewage, and solid
waste disposal have contaminated the river water. The most pressing issue facing the
Mula-Mutha River is pollution. Industrial effluents, sewage, and solid waste disposal
have contaminated the river water.
• To improve water quality and river ecology as well as reduction in pollution of river
Mula -Mutha. Many people have disposed various kinds of waste such as flowers, fruits
and other waste products. Due to this the color of water is gradually changing from blue
to yellow as well as the aquatic life of river is threatened.
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• To intercept, divert and treat the domestic sewage generated discharging in the river.
Nowadays, government is taking various efforts and implanting various policies to
eradicate the waste and create a proper management for sewage.
• Create a continuous public realm along the rivers. Creating a continuous public realm
along rivers transforms them into attractive and vibrant community assets, enhancing the
quality of life for residents, boosting tourism, and fostering a sense of connection to
nature and history. Such developments often have positive economic, social, and
environmental impacts on the surrounding area.
• Establishing pedestrian-friendly walkways and pathways along the riverbanks. These can
include paved sidewalks, boardwalks, and trails that connect various parts of the
community.
• Recreational activities can be implemented such as walking lanes, open gym or area for
Yoga and other exercises. Appointing a responsible authority or organization to oversee
the riverfront development, ensuring its sustainability and continued improvement.
• Initiating public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of clean
water and how they can contribute to its protection. Public awareness can also be done
through means of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X (Earlier twitter).
Individually or in group various online surveys or campaigns can be introduced.
• Promoting water conservation practices to reduce overall water use and minimize
pollution from excessive runoff. Many ecosystems depend on a consistent supply of
water. By conserving water, we help protect aquatic habitats and ensure the survival of
various species.
• Investing in research and development to find innovative solutions for water pollution
prevention and treatment. While working on the riverfront project, the Pune Municipal
Corporation (PMC) is using thousands of metres of geotextile for the embankment of the
Mula and Mutha rivers.
• Commenting on the same, PMC riverfront project in-charge Srinivas Bonala stated, “We
are implementing a tried-and-true technology for soil conservation and water filtration.
We are laying geofabric while building embankments on both sides of the river and then
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laying stones on top of it. This will help to keep the soil in the riverbed as it is during the
rainy season.”
• Clean the rivers and make it pollution free- Properly dispose of hazardous waste and to
reduce the use of fertilizers and chemical herbicides and pesticides, avoid throwing
garbage and plastic in the river basin.
• Netzines demand that cleaning of the river, water must be treated firs before releasing
it into the rivers.
(Reference: Google)
• Mula-Mutha revival plans to roll by December. The PMC has planned to complete
the draft in next 5 months. Pune municipal commissioner Kunal Kumar told the
reporters. PMC has begun the public consultation for the plan. t will benefit a 44-km
stretch of the Mula and Mutha rivers that pass through.
• The PMC has initiated regular desilting and cleaning operations in the river to remove
silt, debris, and pollutants. These activities help maintain the river's flow and reduce
the risk of flooding during the monsoon season.
• PMC has explored the potential for river tourism and recreational activities along the
Mula Mutha River. Initiatives such as boating, river cruises, and riverside
promenades have been considered to promote tourism and generate revenue
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• To mitigate the risk of flooding during the monsoon season, PMC has implemented
flood control measures, including the construction of embankments and check dams
• The PMC has initiated regular desilting and cleaning operations in the river to remove
silt, debris, and pollutants. These activities help maintain the river's flow and reduce
the risk of flooding during the monsoon season.
• In the case of Pune, the Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a comprehensive
project called the Mula-Mutha Riverfront Development Project (RFD) throughout the
entire Pune Municipal Corporation region. The project seeks to address concerns over
pollution and inaccessibility to the river by establishing a promenade along the rivers.
• PMC regularly monitors the water quality of the Mula Mutha river to assess pollution
levels and take corrective actions accordingly.
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SOLUTIONS IDENTIFIED BY STUDENTS FOR BETTERMENT OF MULA
MUTHA RIVER:
• Avoid littering and dumping waste into the river or its tributaries.
• Participate in local cleanup drives and initiatives to remove litter from the riverbanks.
2. Conserve Water:
• Use water responsibly in daily activities, such as bathing and washing dishes.
• Properly dispose of hazardous chemicals, oils, and paints, ensuring they don't end
up in the river.
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• Participate in plastic cleanup campaigns along the river.
• Choose locally sourced and organic products to reduce the use of pesticides and
chemicals that can run off into the river.
• Attend workshops, seminars, and awareness programs to learn about the river's
ecology and its challenges.
• Engage with local government officials and express concerns about river pollution
and degradation.
8. Educate Others:
• Share information about the importance of the Mula Mutha River and the need for
its conservation with friends and family.
• Participate in tree planting drives along the riverbanks to stabilize soil, reduce
erosion, and improve the river's ecosystem.
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• When engaging in recreational activities along the river, like boating or picnicking,
ensure that you clean up after yourself and leave no trace.
• Stay updated on the latest developments and initiatives related to the Mula Mutha
River by following local news and participating in community meetings.
By taking these precautions and actively participating in efforts to protect the Mula
Mutha River, the public can play a significant role in its conservation and restoration.
• If you are a tourist or visitor, practice responsible tourism by not littering, respecting
natural habitats, and following designated paths or areas.
• If you witness illegal dumping, pollution, or activities harming the river, report them
to the local authorities or relevant environmental agencies.
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• Encourage and support sustainable development practices in your area to prevent
further degradation of the river and its surrounding
• Nowadays masses are aware about harmfulness of plastic. Extra garbage bins are kept
for disposal of garbage. Due to this animal can be safely reared.
• Various initiatives have been taken to control pollution sources, including stricter
regulations on industrial effluent discharge and awareness campaigns to prevent
dumping of waste into the river.
The Mula Mutha River is a valuable natural resource, and the responsibility for its protection
extends to the entire community. Public awareness and engagement are essential for its long-
term health and sustainability.
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SURVEY:
20%
50%
30%
A B C
• On the scale 1 being low and 10 being high. How much the river has affected you in any
way?
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a. High
b. Medium
c. Not so much
30%
40%
30%
A B C
• How is the water quality and surrounding environment around the river?
a. Very severe
b. Survivable
c. Good
10%
20%
70%
A B C
• What do you think how awareness can be increased regarding the pollution of river?
a. Social media
b. Through politics
c. Advertisements
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40%
50%
10%
A B C
• Are you aware of any penalties for dumping waste into the river?
a. Yes
b. No
30%
70%
A B
• Do you have any idea about what schemes have been implemented for the river?
a. Yes
b. No
40%
60%
A B
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b. Mildly
c. Not affected at all
10%
30%
60%
A B C
• According to you what type of pollution you observe here the most?
a. Chemical pollution
b. Physical pollution
c. Groundwater pollution
d. Radiological pollution
10%
30%
20%
40%
A B C D
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20%
40%
40%
A B C
• Do you believe that river pollution can be reversed in the next five years with
concerted efforts?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Can’t tell
10%
30%
60%
A B C
From the above charts we can see the condition of river side pollution. Majority of the
people who took the survey agree with the fact that the river is very much polluted.
Going to riverside isn’t pleasant to see or to smell the odor is awful which tells the
presence of toxic wastes. Reduction in tourists to riverside is also caused due to polluted
riverside and reduction in local revenue. Most of the people aren’t aware if the
government is cleaning the river. There are no dustbins where people can throw their
waste near riverside. Most the people don’t know is there a fine or not for dumping the
waste in the river.
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CONCLUSION OF THE STUDY:
• This work gave a detailed picture of water quality of Mula Mutha River of Pune City,
for both current (2020) and future (2041) time using different scenario analyses.
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