Pune: Community Mobilizes for “Save Mula River Initiative” Amid Severe Pollution Concerns
The Mula River originates at the Mulshi Dam, located in the Western Ghats, and flows towards Pune city. Within the city, it converges with the Pawana River on the left bank and the Mutha River on the right bank, creating the Mula-Mutha River. This river then flows on to join the Bhima River. Additionally, the Mula River serves as a boundary marker between the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and the Pune Municipal Corporation, running through the central area of Pune city.
Before entering Pune, the Mula River flows through areas like Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, impacting many housing societies and integrated townships that depend solely on its water. The once pristine river now poses health and ecological risks, triggering a communal response for action.
Historically a lifeline for many communities living on its banks, the river has become heavily polluted due to unchecked industrial discharge and untreated sewage, making its water unsafe for consumption.
Residents of the Blue Ridge Integrated Township in Hinjawadi are spearheading the “Save Mula River Initiative.” This significant environmental conservation effort is set to culminate in a peaceful march on April 20, 2024. The march aims to raise awareness about the critical pollution issues and encourage community involvement to safeguard the river. Starting at 9:30 AM at Marina Lawns, participants will carry banners in a silent march, emphasizing the theme of stopping water pollution.
Event Details
- Date: April 20th, 2024
- Gathering Time: 9:30 AM at Marina Lawns/Yoga Lawns near Unit A Tower 1 Security Cabin
- March Start: 10:00 AM
- Route: From Yoga Lawns to Check Dam and back to Yoga Lawns
Due to the forecast of high temperatures, the organizers have planned to start the march at 9:45 AM sharply to ensure the comfort and safety of all participants. Attendees are encouraged to gather 15 minutes prior to the start.
Participants can choose between two groups:
- Blue Group: Participants in this group will engage in a silent march with banners, focusing on spreading the message to save the river.
- Green Group: For those unable to join the march, activities will be organized at Marina Lawns, including storytelling for kids, poetry recitations, and antakshari for adults, all themed around environmental conservation.
The event will also feature a chain fasting initiative and a variety of engaging activities scheduled throughout the day, with further details and contact information for coordinators to be provided.
General Instructions:
- Supervision of children is the responsibility of their parents.
- Participants are required to bring their own water bottles and snacks.
- Littering is strictly prohibited; use designated dustbins.
- Placards should be made from recycled materials.
The township management supports this initiative by providing necessary amenities such as tents, tables, chairs, saplings with QR codes for kids, and refreshments.
This event is solely aimed at raising awareness about the importance of this crucial river; it is not a form of protest. The communities that rely on the river have become increasingly aware of the detrimental impacts of escalating pollution. Their goal is to foster greater consciousness about this issue.
About Mula River
The Mula River, spanning 22 kilometers in length, originates in the Western Ghats and flows north-west through the region. It joins the Mutha and Bhima rivers before eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river’s name, “Mula,” derives from the Marathi word “mool,” meaning ‘root,’ referencing its believed source at the base of an ancient tree near Muleshwar in the Sahyadri Mountains.
The Sahyadri Mountains, part of the Western Ghats southwest of Pune, contain aquifers that recharge during the rainy season. Water seeps into these aquifers through fractures and faults in the basalt rock beds, giving rise to streams that merge and form the Mula River as they descend through valleys.
The Mula River traverses from the villages of Paud, Lavale, and Nande, through the suburbs of Hinjewadi, Kaspate Wasti, and Balewadi, and passes through Pimpri-Chinchwad before reaching Pune. It merges with the Mutha River near Sangam Bridge in Pune. Further downstream, at Ranjangoan Sandas, it joins the larger Bhima River. The Bhima merges with the Krishna River near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, which ultimately flows into the Bay of Bengal, completing the course of these interconnected rivers. Due to pollution and unsustainable construction along its path, the Mula River has suffered significant contamination and is prone to flooding.
