The Maharashtra government has approved the transfer of 52,000 square metres (sqm) of land to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for the Mula-Mutha riverfront project. The sanction clears a key administrative hurdle and formally places the identified land under municipal control. Officials described the move as an essential step towards advancing the riverfront initiative. The transferred area sits along the Mula-Mutha river corridor within Pune and is intended for public realm works and riverbank restoration. PMC will assume responsibility for planning, design and implementation of riverfront works on the site. The corporation will integrate the parcel into broader urban improvement measures already under municipal consideration. The allocation of 52,000 sqm forms part of a sequence of land transfers aimed at consolidating contiguous stretches for cohesive development. Authorities indicated that municipal stewardship is intended to enable coordinated interventions on ecology, flood management and recreational access. The transfer is not described as completion of the project but as a preparatory step for subsequent planning. The state clearance followed routine administrative review of land records and title formalities, according to official summaries of the decision. With land ownership transferred, PMC can proceed to secure technical approvals and invite consultancy inputs. The corporation will be responsible for securing environmental clearances and aligning proposals with statutory requirements. Local stakeholders will be able to review municipal proposals once planning documents are prepared and presented. The riverfront project is aimed at expanding public open space, improving riverbank stability and enhancing pedestrian connectivity along the corridor. Municipal sources said the initiative will prioritise ecological restoration alongside amenity provision. Next steps include formal registration of the transfer and commencement of detailed design work by PMC teams and appointed consultants. Authorities said the handover should enable faster mobilisation of resources for the planning phase.