Maharashtra irrigation body concerned over Pune riverfront project

The Maharashtra irrigation department has issued a letter to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) warning the civic body about making modifications to the city’s rivers against the background of the proposed riverfront development project. Civic activists have moved the irrigation department raising various concerns with the proposed river development. In the letter dated October 28, the irrigation department said that in the name of riverfront development, materials must not be dumped into the river. While implementing the project, it should be ensured that there are no obstacles to water flow. It said not to divert the flow of the river. Civic activists Vivek Velankar, Sarang Yadwadkar and Vijay Kumbhar, among others, have objected to the river project. Yadwadkar told the media that PMC accepted this project worth Rs 4,727 crore, but selected members have discussed it at the general body meeting. The project is going to influence the entire city. Velankar said that Pune is already a flood-affected city. While implementing such projects, civic administration and elected members must address the citizens’ concerns. They are asking several questions, but the administration claims that the consultant will answer all the questions. The consultant will fly away after getting the fees, but the citizens would suffer. If the project is controlled by the PMC, the administration must answer all the questions raised by activists and citizens. Image Source Also read: Narendra Modi stadium to be connected to Sabarmati riverfront