Pune: In a bid to address the issue of river pollution caused by untreated sewage discharge, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has announced the establishment of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in 11 rapidly urbanizing villages near the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal boundaries.

The project, which has been allocated a budget of ₹300 crore, aims to develop much-needed infrastructure in these villages, where large residential projects have emerged, but proper sewage treatment systems are lacking.

The rapid development in these villages has led to a significant increase in population density. However, due to a lack of proper sewage management, untreated wastewater is often released into nearby rivers and streams, contributing to environmental degradation.

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, PMRDA has taken the initiative to construct STPs in Bhugaon, Bhukum, Pirangut, Lavale, Hinjewadi, Maan, Ghotawade, Chakan-Medankarwadi, Shikrapur-Sanaswadi, Marunji, and Kesnand.

The project is also expected to benefit nearby villages in the Kesnand and Chakan regions, where new sewage treatment facilities will be established. PMRDA is currently working to include this project under the central government’s "AMRUT" scheme to secure additional funding.

Recently, PMRDA received approval from the state government to implement eight new Town Planning (TP) schemes across 912 hectares to facilitate the acquisition of land for the proposed Pune ring road.

The move comes as part of the PMRDA’s efforts to expedite the development of the ring road, a critical infrastructure project designed to reduce congestion in and around Pune city. Building on the success of TP schemes in Mahalunge and Maan, PMRDA has outlined 20 town planning schemes in its draft development plan.