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.
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