Focus on Pollution Control Over Beautification; Dedicated River Rejuvenation Authority Soon: Minister Pankaja Munde

Pune, April 2026 : Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde has stressed that river pollution control must be prioritised over beautification efforts, announcing that a dedicated “River Rejuvenation Authority” is in the final stages of approval.

Speaking at a special meeting held at the headquarters of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority in Akurdi, she highlighted the growing challenge of water pollution in the state and the need for stronger, more effective implementation of corrective measures. Several public representatives and senior officials, including MLAs and municipal commissioners, were present at the meeting.

Munde pointed out that untreated sewage from local bodies, private establishments, and industries is being directly discharged into rivers, worsening pollution levels. She noted that while many industries have installed Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), poor maintenance has rendered several of them non-functional. Issuing a stern warning, she said that strict action—not just notices—will be taken against violators going forward.

She also directed the municipal corporations of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to immediately remove encroachments along riverbeds. Additionally, she instructed authorities to make STPs mandatory for all housing societies and ensure that every drain is connected to treatment systems so that only treated water flows into rivers.

The meeting also addressed rising air pollution concerns. Munde observed that uncovered construction sites contribute significantly to airborne dust levels. She directed the PMRDA and local civic bodies to issue notices to such sites and enforce strict compliance with dust-control measures.

During the बैठक, officials from PMRDA and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation presented ongoing initiatives to reduce pollution in key rivers, including the Indrayani River, Pavana River, and Mula-Mutha River. Detailed technical briefings were provided on current and proposed interventions. Public representatives expressed concern over pollution levels and urged greater support from the state government, to which Munde responded positively.

Later, the minister conducted on-site inspections of raw water pumping stations at Talwade on the Indrayani River and at Ravet on the Pavana River. She also reviewed the current pollution status of these rivers firsthand.

Munde emphasised that while the government is taking concrete steps toward river rejuvenation, public participation and strict adherence to industrial regulations are equally essential. Highlighting the urgent need to protect the sacred Indrayani River, she directed officials to take immediate action against issues such as foam formation, untreated sewage discharge, and the rapid spread of water hyacinth.

She further stated that pollution caused by sewage and excessive aquatic growth in rivers like Pavana and Indrayani is a serious concern. All concerned agencies must work in coordination to curb pollution and ensure clean water for citizens while preserving river ecosystems.

The visit was also attended by local representatives and officials, including MLA Mahesh Landge, as authorities reaffirmed their commitment to restoring the health and flow of the region’s rivers.