Maharashtra’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Pankaja Munde, revealed that the government is finalizing the establishment of a dedicated River Rejuvenation Authority. The focus will shift from beautifying rivers to controlling pollution effectively. The Authority’s main task is to tackle the increasing water pollution and ensure the strict enforcement of environmental policies.
Minister Munde emphasized the issue of untreated sewage being directly discharged into riverbeds by local bodies, private entities, and industries. While some industries have installed Sewage Treatment Plants, many are non-functional due to poor maintenance. She warned of direct and stringent action against industries not complying with regulations, moving beyond issuing notices.
Instructing the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations, Minister Munde mandated the immediate removal of encroachments along riverbeds. She also emphasized the necessity for every housing society to have its own Sewage Treatment Plant. Local administrations were directed to connect every stream to a Sewage Treatment Plant to ensure only treated water enters the rivers.
The meeting also addressed the deteriorating air quality issue. Minister Munde highlighted that improper covers at construction sites significantly contribute to dust pollution. She instructed authorities to issue immediate notices to such sites and enforce measures to mitigate air pollution. Technical presentations on the rejuvenation of the Indrayani, Pavana, and Mula-Mutha rivers were delivered during the meeting.
Following the discussions, Minister Munde conducted an on-site inspection of Raw Water Pumping Stations at Talawade and Rawet. Expressing concern over the presence of toxic foam, sewage, and water hyacinth in the Indrayani River, she emphasized the priority of preserving the river’s sanctity. Minister Munde directed officials to take immediate action to clear water hyacinth and prevent the flow of industrial effluents. She stressed that while the government is taking decisive steps, achieving clean and flowing rivers requires cooperation from citizens and strict adherence to regulations by the industrial sector.
