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Maharashtra to Form River Rejuvenation Authority for Pollution Control

Maharashtra's Environment Minister Pankaja Munde announced the state is finalizing a dedicated River Rejuvenation Authority to shift focus from beautification to pollution control. The authority will enforce strict action against industries and local bodies discharging untreated sewage into rivers. Minister Munde directed immediate removal of encroachments and mandated sewage treatment plants for all housing societies. She expressed grave concern after inspecting polluted sites on the Indrayani and Pavana rivers, calling for citizen and industrial cooperation.

Key Points: Maharashtra to Set Up River Rejuvenation Authority

  • New authority for river pollution control
  • Crackdown on non-functional sewage plants
  • Immediate removal of riverbed encroachments
  • Focus on Indrayani, Pavana, Mula-Mutha rivers
2 min read

Maha to set up river rejuvenation authority: Minister ​

Maharashtra announces a new River Rejuvenation Authority to tackle pollution, focusing on sewage treatment and strict action against violators.

"Moving forward, we will not limit ourselves to merely issuing notices. Direct and stringent action will be taken against industries violating norms. - Pankaja Munde"

Pune, April 10

Maharashtra's Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Pankaja Munde, on Friday announced that the government is in the final stages of establishing a dedicated River Rejuvenation Authority, as the primary focus must shift from river beautification to absolute pollution control. ​

The Authority is tasked with curbing rising water pollution and ensuring the effective implementation of environmental policies. ​

The Minister was speaking at a high‑level review meeting held at the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority.​

Minister Munde highlighted the critical issue of untreated sewage from local bodies, private entities, and industries being discharged directly into riverbeds. ​

She noted that while many industries have installed Sewage Treatment Plants, many remain non‑functional due to poor maintenance. ​

"Moving forward, we will not limit ourselves to merely issuing notices. Direct and stringent action will be taken against industries violating norms," she warned.​

Minister Munde instructed that the Pune and Pimpri‑Chinchwad Municipal Corporations must immediately remove encroachments along riverbeds. Every housing society must be mandated to have its own Sewage Treatment Plant. ​

Local administrations must ensure every stream is connected to a Sewage Treatment Plant so that only treated water enters the rivers.​

The meeting also addressed deteriorating air quality. Minister Munde pointed out that construction sites failing to use proper covers contribute significantly to dust pollution. ​

She directed the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority and Pimpri‑Chinchwad Municipal Corporation to issue immediate notices to such sites and enforce air pollution mitigation measures.​

Technical presentations regarding the rejuvenation of the Indrayani, Pavana, and Mula‑Mutha rivers were delivered by Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority Chief Engineer Rinaj Pathan and Pimpri‑Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Chief Engineer Sanjay Kulkarni, said the release.​

Following the meeting, Minister Munde conducted an on‑site inspection of the Raw Water Pumping Stations at Talawade (Indrayani River) and Rawet (Pavana River). ​

Upon witnessing toxic foam, sewage, and water hyacinth in the Indrayani, she expressed grave concern. ​

"Preserving the sanctity of the Indrayani river is our priority," Minister Munde stated.​

She directed officials to take immediate steps to clear water hyacinth and stop the flow of industrial effluents. ​

She said that while the government is taking firm steps, achieving clean, flowing rivers can only be achieved through citizen cooperation and the industrial sector's strict adherence to regulations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but execution is key. Every housing society having its own STP sounds great on paper, but who will bear the cost? For older societies, this will be a huge financial burden. The government needs a subsidy plan alongside the mandate.
A
Aman W
Removing encroachments is the first and most crucial step. You can't clean a river if you can't even access its banks. The PMC and PCMC have been ignoring this for decades. Let's see if this time there's political will to actually do it.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Pune, the air quality and water pollution are shocking. The minister is right about construction dust – it's everywhere. Stringent action on both fronts is welcome. Hope this leads to a healthier city for all residents.
V
Vikram M
The Indrayani is considered a sacred river. To see it covered in foam and hyacinth is a national shame. "Preserving sanctity" means more than words. We need daily monitoring and heavy fines for polluters. Jai Maharashtra! 🚯
K
Karthik V
I appreciate the minister's point about citizen cooperation. We can't just blame authorities. As residents, we must stop throwing garbage and religious offerings in plastic into rivers. Public awareness campaigns are needed alongside strict industrial action.
N

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