11 Sewage Treatment Plants Under PARMM Project to Boost Pollution Control of Mula–Mutha River

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Progress continues on the Pollution Abatement of River Mula–Mutha (PARMM) Project, part of the National River Conservation Plan, aimed at tackling pollution in Pune’s Mula–Mutha river. As a key component, 11 sewage treatment plants (STPs) are being developed across the city, alongside construction of critical sewer lines (missing links) to channel wastewater efficiently to these facilities.

Implemented jointly by the National River Conservation Directorate (Central Government), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the project contract was awarded to Enviro Control and Toshiba Water Solutions JV on March 3, 2022. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 6, 2022.The treated water from these STPs will comply with the latest Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards. Construction is underway at 10 of the 11 proposed STP sites, with the exception of the 10 MLD Botanical Garden (Aundh) plant.Some key updates:

The 20 MLD Mundhwa, 28 MLD Warje, and 26 MLD WadgaonSTPs are nearing completion. Dry-run tests for electro-mechanical equipment have been successfully conducted. Combined, these plants will treat 74 MLD and are preparing for wet testing before full commissioning.
The 20 MLD Mundhwa STP will serve areas including Handewadi, Mohammadwadi, Kalepadal, Sasane Nagar, Malwadi, Magarpatta, Sade Satra Nali, Hadapsar Industrial Estate, and Tadi Gutta Chowk. An existing 45 MLD STP is already operational on the same site.
The 28 MLD Warje STP will cover Warje and Ramnagar localities.
The 26 MLD Wadgaon STP will treat wastewater from Raikar Mala, Dhayari village, Jambhulwadi, Nanhe, and Ambegaon.
Dry runs and trial tests for the 7 MLD Matsyabeej Kendra (Hadapsar) and 30 MLD Kharadi STPs are expected within the next two months. The remaining five STPs are targeted for completion by the end of 2026.

The project was approved by the Central Government on January 14, 2016, with an initial budget of ₹990.26 crore—85% funded by the Centre (₹841.72 crore) and 15% by PMC (₹148.54 crore). The revised cost now stands at approximately ₹1,173 crore, with ₹621.45 crore released so far by the Central Government. Total expenditure on the project to date is ₹844.45 crore.Upon completion, Pune’s total wastewater treatment capacity will rise to 895 MLD, combining existing STPs (477 MLD), the PARMM project (396 MLD), and PMC facilities (22 MLD).

The contractor will also handle operation and maintenance for 15 years, estimated at ₹300.21 crore.The PARMM project is actively progressing, with a formal public inauguration planned once all components are fully operational.