Pune: In celebration of World Environment Day, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has undertaken a significant tree plantation initiative as part of its River Rejuvenation Project. This comprehensive development plan aims to revitalise the Mula, Mutha, and Mula-Mutha rivers, which together stretch 44.40 kilometers across the city.
As part of the riverfront development, work is progressing on two important stretches: a 3.7-kilometer section between Sangamwadi and Bund Garden Bridge (Stretch 9), and a 5.3-kilometer span from Bund Garden to Mundhwa Bridge (Stretches 10 and 11). Notably, a 300-meter portion between Shadul Baba Dargah and Ganesh Ghat under Stretch 9 has been completed, and another 800-meter stretch near Koregaon Park is nearing the final stages.
To enhance the ecological value of the riverbanks, PMC is actively replacing non-native and invasive plant species such as Subabul, Prosopis Juliflora, and Mesquite with indigenous varieties. The newly introduced flora includes flowering trees like Kadamba, Bakul, and Kanchan; fruit-bearing varieties such as Mango, Jamun, Arjun, and Fig that support local biodiversity; and shade-giving trees including Neem, Peepal, and Banyan.
So far, 1,250 saplings—each measuring between 10 to 15 feet in height—have been planted. This includes 850 on land managed by the forest department, 150 within the premises of Yerwada Jail, and 250 saplings along the river promenade and gabion sections between Sangamwadi and Kalyaninagar bridges.
This initiative builds on earlier efforts under the rejuvenation project, during which PMC had already introduced over 5,000 native trees. These included 4,000 on forest land, 500 on army sports grounds, and many others along the riverfront walkway.
The plantation drive saw the active participation of senior civic officials, including PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and Additional Commissioner (Estate) Prithviraj B.P., highlighting the administration’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
