After the successful trial at the river stretch near Baba Bhide Bridge in Deccan, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) plans to extend its trash barrier project across Mutha to curb plastic pollution. The pilot project is implemented with the help of non‑profit organisation Worship Earth Foundation.
Mutha River has been facing large-scale dumping of solid waste, particularly plastic, along its banks, raising environmental and public health concerns. The floating waste travels downstream, severely affecting the river’s ecological balance.
Parag Mate, founder, Worship Earth Foundation, said, “We have placed trash barriers in Mutha river. It is a floating fence installed on the surface of the waterbody designed to allow the natural flow of water to continue uninterrupted while trapping floating debris such as plastic, thermocol, glass bottles and other waste materials. The accumulated garbage is removed with the help of machines or sanitation workers and disposed of scientifically. The system can trap waste floating up to a depth of nearly six feet in the water.”
Kishori Shinde, PMC environment officer, said, “We plan to implement the project in other locations too and will request funds be raised in the upcoming budget.”