Pune’s efforts to clean the Mula-Mutha river are advancing with three major sewage treatment plants (STPs) under the Pollution Abatement of River Mula Mutha (PARMM) project nearing completion.

This initiative is part of the National River Conservation Programme, which includes the construction of 11 STPs and missing sewer links across the city to prevent untreated sewage from entering the river. The project is jointly funded by the central government, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The Mundhwa, Warje, and Wadgaon STPs, with a combined capacity of 74 million litres per day (MLD), are in the final stages. Dry run tests have been successful, and wet testing will begin soon. The plants will serve various localities, including Handewadi, Mohammadwadi, and Dhayari. 

Two more STPs in Hadapsar and Kharadi are expected to begin trials within two months. With the completion of all plants by 2026, Pune's sewage treatment capacity will reach 895 MLD, significantly improving river water quality. The PARMM (Old Limit) project, launched under the National River Conservation Plan, aims to reduce river pollution in Pune. It was approved on January 14, 2016, with funding from JICA and a Central government loan.