Press Release

Pune, March 06, 2022: The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, today lauded the inauguration ofthe Project for Pollution Abatement of Rivers Mula-Mutha in Pune, funded by Japanese ODA Loan, at a ceremony organized by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). He was joined by representatives of the Government of Japan including H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Satoshi, Ambassador of Japan to India; and Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) India Office.

The objective of the project is to improve the water quality in the three rivers in Pune by augmenting sewage collection systems and sewage treatment facilities in the PMC area. It also includes taking other measures required for the pollution abatement and thereby improving the sanitation and living conditions of people who reside in Pune city and in the watershed of the downstream area.

The project was provided with a loan of approx. INR 1270 crores (approx. 19,064 million yen). The ceremony marked the awarding of a large procurement package for this project, which includes most of the project scope such as 11 Sewerage treatment Plants (STP) with 396 Million Liters per Day (MLD) treatment capacity in total, Intermediate Pump Stations and Main/Sub-main and Branch sewers, to a joint venture comprised with Enviro Control Pvt. Ltd., an Indian company, and Toshiba Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a Japanese company.

Speaking on this occasion, H.E. Mr. Satoshi SUZUKI, Ambassador, Embassy of Japan in India, said, "India-Japan relationship is at its zenith now. This has been made possible by the strong leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Modi, together with recent Japanese prime ministers. Our bilateral partnership as well as our collaboration has been widening and deepening day by day. Today, with the commencement of the "Project for Pollution Abatement of Rivers Mula-Mutha in Pune," supported by JICA, we are witnessing the future of India-Japan relations unfold in front of us. I would like to extend my congratulations to Honorable Prime Minister and the people of Pune for this significant project, which will contribute to significantly improve the public health of the city. This year 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of the independence of India as well as the 70th anniversary of the establishment of India-Japan diplomatic relations. It gives me great pleasure to witness the strengthening of our bilateral relationship through the remarkable project in Pune in such a commemorative year."

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India, said, "I know that the city of Pune is famous for its wide range of educational institutions and its people have strong sympathies with Japan as it is one of the cities where many people study Japanese. I am glad to attend the inauguration ceremony of the project which aims to support sewerage development to prevent water contamination in the major rivers, reduce public sanitation challenges, and improve life quality in the city of Pune. Since the major component of this project has been awarded to a Joint Venture entity composed by Japanese company and Indian company, I expect this inauguration will contribute to the strengthening of the Japan-India relationship through improving the river water quality and the quality of the life in the region."

Pune generated 728 MLD of sewage in 2014, while the total sewage volume treated at the existing STPs was estimated at only 476 MLD. Thus, 252 MLD of sewage was being discharged directly into three major rivers, Mula, Mutha, and the Mula-Mutha, causing severe pollution. These rivers were classified as one of the 35 most polluted rivers in India by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These rivers flow into the Bhima River, whose water is made potable downstream. The pollution results in the worsening hygienic condition of the city and poses great health risks to its citizen. Therefore, development of an integrated sewerage system is imperative for improving sanitation, hygiene and living condition of the citizens.

Official Link of Embassy of Japan:

• Website (external link)
• Facebook page (external link)

About JICA

Established by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as the sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency and works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, providing assistance in the form of loans, grants, and technical cooperation, to enable the emerging countries to strengthen their capabilities.

• JICA India Office Web
• JICA India Brochure
• JICA Facebook Page (external link)

For further information, please contact:

Embassy of Japan, New Delhi
KIYOSE Kazuhiro
(+91)-11-4610-4610
kazuhiro.kiyose@mofa.go.jp

JICA India Office
Shusaku Takada / Aishwarya Mishra
(+91)-11-49097000
Takada.Shusaku@jica.go.jp
Mishra-Aishwarya@jica.go.jp

Edelman India
Rakhi Aurora
(+91)-9599067185
Rakhi.Aurora@edelman.com