River Rejuvenation and Plastic-Free Water Bodies a State Priority; Japan’s Cooperation Valuable: Minister Pankaja Munde

Saga Prefecture Governor’s delegation meets Environment Minister Pankaja Munde

Mumbai, Feb 2026 : A high-level delegation led by the Governor of Japan’s Saga Prefecture called on Environment, Climate Change and Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde today, holding detailed discussions on environmental protection, plastic-free initiatives, education, dairy development, and related sectors. Minister Munde stated that river rejuvenation and plastic-free water bodies are key priorities for the state, and expressed confidence that Japan’s cooperation would be invaluable in achieving these goals.

During the meeting, both sides held positive discussions on preventing marine and river pollution, undertaking joint efforts against plastic waste, and expanding cooperation in education, animal husbandry, and the cosmetics industry.

The meeting took place at Minister Munde’s official residence, ‘Ramtek’, and was led by Saga Prefecture Governor Yoshinori Yamaguchi. The Japanese delegation included Masahiro Ono, Deputy Director General, Regional Exchange Division; Koji Yoshitake, Deputy Director, International Policy Group; Koki Kanamaru, Project Leader; and Hiroshi Yoneyama, Chief Director, JETRO Saga. Senior officials from Maharashtra present included Dr. N. Ramaswamy, Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Department; Jayashree Bhoj, Secretary, Environment and Climate Change Department; and Devendra Singh, Member Secretary, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, among others.

Minister Munde noted that Maharashtra has a long coastline, but the influx of plastic waste from the sea poses a serious challenge. At the same time, river pollution is a matter of concern. Considering the sacred place rivers hold in Indian culture, the state government will undertake special programmes for river cleanliness and rejuvenation, she said.

Governor Yamaguchi expressed Japan’s willingness to share its technical expertise, management experience, and research capabilities with Maharashtra. Both sides discussed adopting a positive approach to joint initiatives through a “knowledge partnership” aimed at reducing plastic pollution in Asian seas.

Discussion on Dairy Sector as Well

The meeting also gave special importance to cooperation in the education sector. Minister Munde indicated the state’s readiness to offer opportunities to foreign universities for work in Maharashtra in areas such as environmental sustainability, animal sciences, and scientific research. The two sides discussed possibilities for joint research, student exchange programmes, and technical cooperation with institutions in Saga Prefecture.

The delegation observed that innovations in the dairy and animal husbandry sectors, as well as Japan’s advanced technology in the cosmetics industry, could be beneficial for Maharashtra. Both sides expressed mutual willingness to enhance industrial and academic collaboration in these areas.

Invitation to Visit Japan

Governor Yamaguchi extended an invitation to Minister Pankaja Munde to visit the World Ocean Plastic Planning Centre, being established for plastic management initiatives.

The meeting also included discussions on future reciprocal visits, technical workshops, and the preparation of a long-term cooperation roadmap. It was expressed that this interaction would add a new dimension to India–Japan cooperation in the fields of environmental protection, education, and industry.