Pune, 15th May 2026: The ambitious Mula-Mutha riverfront development project of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has received a major push after the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the transfer of 52,851 square meters of government land to the civic body free of cost.
The decision was taken during the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The land transfer is expected to resolve long-pending land acquisition hurdles that had slowed the riverfront work between Sangamwadi and Bund Garden Bridge.
PMC has already started beautification and riverbank improvement work worth nearly Rs 350 crore along the stretch. However, the project faced delays because several required land parcels had not been acquired.
Under the new decision initiated through the Revenue Department, the land will be handed over to PMC without charging occupancy or premium costs. Officials believe this will accelerate river improvement, flood-control measures and green infrastructure development along the riverbanks.
The transferred land includes riverbed land measuring 11,015 square meters, 34,128 square meters from the Botanical Garden area in Mundhwa, and 7,708 square meters from land belonging to the women, child and correctional facility in Mundhwa.
The larger Mula-Mutha river rejuvenation project aims to improve the river’s flood-carrying capacity, treat sewage before releasing water into the river, and create green spaces, jogging tracks and public amenities along the riverbanks.
Civic officials said the project is important for improving Pune’s environmental balance and creating cleaner public spaces for residents.
Mayor Manjusha Nagpure welcomed the state government’s decision and thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule for clearing the proposal. She said the approval would help complete the project at a faster pace.
Meanwhile, PMC has also decided to extend the riverfront development project till Manjari Budruk. At present, work is underway between Sangamwadi and Bund Garden Bridge, and from Bund Garden to Mundhwa Bridge.
Following Pune city’s expanded limits up to Manjari, a proposal to beautify the river stretch between Mundhwa Bridge and Manjari Budruk was approved by the standing committee after being raised by corporator Dada Kodre.
Officials said the Mundhwa-Manjari belt has witnessed rapid urbanization and large-scale residential development in recent years, making riverfront improvement necessary in the growing suburban corridor.