The state irrigation department has issued a stern directive to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to immediately remove debris and rubble illegally dumped into the Mula River, near the Pimple Nilakh crematorium. According to the notice issued on March 22, the dumping has obstructed the river’s natural flow, violating provisions under the Maharashtra Irrigation Act, 1976. The irrigation department warned that failing to restore the riverbed to its original condition could invite legal action under the Act and related government circulars.
In response, PCMC clarified that the debris was dumped temporarily as part of a diversion created for ongoing Riverfront Development (RFD) work. However, city officials confirmed that instructions have been issued to clear the dumped material without delay. The irrigation department emphasized that such dumping is a serious offence and reiterated the ban on any form of obstruction within river zones, as per the 2018 government circular.