Pawan Kalyan Orders Comprehensive Pollution Audit of Godavari Ahead of Pushkarams

Amaravati, May 2026 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Monday directed officials to conduct a comprehensive audit of pollution sources and untreated waste flowing into the Godavari River, stressing the need for urgent corrective measures ahead of the Godavari Pushkarams scheduled next year.

During his visit to Rajamahendravaram, the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Environment portfolio, personally inspected several stretches of the river affected by pollution and reviewed ongoing preparations for the major religious event. He instructed East Godavari district officials to submit a detailed report on the current status of pollution management, the measures already undertaken, and a concrete action plan for future works.

Pawan Kalyan reiterated that the Coalition Government is committed to organising a “pollution-free Godavari Pushkaram” and said environmental protection would be one of the top priorities in the lead-up to the festival.

As part of the inspection, he undertook an early morning boat journey from Rajamahendravaram Pushkar Ghat to Kotilingala Ghat to assess the extent of pollution and review the beautification and infrastructure works being carried out along the riverbanks. Officials briefed him on the progress of the development works and future plans linked to the Pushkarams.

At Chintalamma Ghat, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected the point where sewage from Rajamahendravaram enters the Godavari through the Nalla Channel. He examined the condition of the polluted water and interacted with staff managing the treatment operations. He also reviewed the process of waste segregation and sought details regarding the methods adopted for sewage treatment.

Pawan Kalyan noted that nearly 55 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage reportedly flows into the Godavari River and emphasised that the treatment process must be carried out using scientifically approved methods.

“We are receiving complaints that untreated sewage is directly entering the river and contaminating the water. This issue requires immediate and focused attention,” he said.

He directed officials to conduct a detailed audit to identify all pollution sources entering the river so that long-term mitigation strategies could be implemented effectively.

Highlighting the financial support available for river conservation, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that administrative approval had already been secured for Rs 95 crore out of the total Rs 416 crore sanctioned under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) through the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.

“These funds should be utilised to establish modern treatment plants with advanced technology. We must ensure that only fully treated water is discharged into the Godavari,” he said.

Pawan Kalyan also sought details regarding allegations of polluted industrial effluents being discharged into the river by Andhra Paper Mills. He asked State Pollution Control Board Chairman Krishnaiah to provide a detailed report on the issue and explain the monitoring mechanisms currently in place.

The Deputy Chief Minister later visited a treatment plant site where he inspected waste segregation activities and enquired about the disposal methods being followed for solid waste management.

Following the field visit, Pawan Kalyan held a review meeting at the Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation office to assess the progress of Pushkaram-related works and environmental management initiatives.

Several ministers and public representatives attended the review meeting, including Ministers Nadendla Manohar and Kandula Durgesh, Legislative Council Government Whip Pidugu Hariprasad, MLC Somu Veerraju, and MLAs Adireddy Vasu, Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary, Bathula Balaramakrishna, and Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy, among others.