Students from the MIT Art, Design and Technology (ADT) University and MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul World School in Pune have intensified their protests against the persistent illegal dumping of untreated waste into the Mula-Mutha riverbed. The demonstrations gained momentum following a major fire at the dumping site in late February 2026, which released toxic smoke, causing respiratory distress and hospitalizing several students. [3, 7, 8]
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the dumping, allegedly involving 35 to 40 tractor loads of waste daily from Loni Kalbhor and Kadamwak Wasti gram panchayats, had severely impacted the Mula-Mutha river, described as the lifeline of Pune city. [3, 4, 6, 9] The waste had accumulated to such an extent that it covered over 50% of the river near Loni Kalbhor, creating a significant environmental hazard. [4] Students reported enduring a foul stench for years, with the situation escalating after a fire on February 26, 2026, which smoldered for several days, blanketing the campus in smoke and leading to breathing difficulties and suffocation for students and staff. [3, 4, 7, 8]
The protests involved students blocking garbage trucks from entering the dumping ground, which is situated adjacent to the university campus. [4, 6, 8] This action was a response to years of alleged administrative inaction and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s (MPCB) perceived failure to address the unregulated dumping. [8] Students highlighted that the dumping not only pollutes the river water and groundwater but also poses a direct threat to public health and aquatic life. [3, 8] The accumulated garbage had also led to frequent fires, exacerbating air pollution in the surrounding areas. [3, 4]
Following initial protests in early March 2026, students had temporarily suspended their agitation for seven days after mediation by Pune Zone-6 Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dr. Rajkumar Shinde. [6, 10] However, the protests resumed with greater intensity when the deadline expired without concrete action from the concerned gram panchayats. [5, 9] The students’ renewed agitation saw them blocking garbage-laden tractors at the university’s main entrance, demanding an immediate cessation of the dumping activities. [5, 6, 9]
Local authorities acknowledged the severity of the situation, with plans underway to develop a common waste-processing facility on a land parcel in Loni Kalbhor. [8] However, it was estimated that this facility would take at least two months to become operational. [8] In the interim, the lack of a designated waste disposal site, coupled with the MIT-ADT University’s stance of not allowing further dumping through its campus, created a deadlock. [8] This situation underscored the urgent need for scientific waste management solutions to address the long-standing environmental and health concerns plaguing the Mula-Mutha river region. [3, 4, 8]
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
