Stressing that restoring river health must take precedence over cosmetic upgrades, Maharashtra Minister of Environment and Climate Change Pankaja Munde said, “Even if river beautification is delayed, ensuring pollution-free rivers is non-negotiable.” She also announced that the state government is in the final stages of establishing an independent River Rejuvenation Authority to exclusively focus on restoring polluted rivers.
Munde was speaking at a high-level review meeting held at the Pimpri-Chinchwad Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) headquarters in Akurdi. Prior to the meeting, she inspected the raw water pumping station at Talawade and assessed pollution levels in the Indrayani River, followed by a visit to the Ravet pumping station to review conditions in the Pavana River. Munde also inspected the Nigdi and Nighoje barrages on the Indrayani River.
During the meeting, officials from PMRDA and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) presented ongoing and proposed measures to curb pollution in the Indrayani, Pavana, and Mula-Mutha rivers. The meeting was attended by several senior officials and public representatives, and senior administrative officers from PMRDA, PCMC, and the Pollution Control Board.
Notably, mid-day had earlier highlighted the worsening river pollution issue, drawing attention to the urgent need for corrective measures.
Sewage entering rivers
Munde pointed out that untreated sewage from local bodies, private establishments, and industries is being directly discharged into rivers, worsening water quality. “Many industries have installed Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), but due to poor maintenance, these systems remain non-functional. Henceforth, strict action — not just notices — will be taken against violators,” she warned.
Munde also directed civic bodies to immediately remove encroachments along riverbanks and mandated the installation of STPs in all housing societies. She asked authorities to ensure that every drainage channel is connected to STPs so that only treated water enters rivers.
Curbing air pollution
Munde highlighted that uncovered construction sites significantly increase airborne dust levels and instructed authorities to issue immediate notices to enforce compliance with environmental norms.
Rising health concerns
Growing pollution in Pavana and Indrayani rivers — lifelines for Pimpri-Chinchwad — has raised serious public health concerns. Untreated urban and industrial wastewater has severely degraded water quality, with reports indicating the presence of hazardous elements that could increase the risk of serious diseases, including cancer. Around 35 lakh-4 lakh residents depend on these rivers, making immediate intervention critical. MLA Mahesh Landge had earlier raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly, prompting assurances from Munde that on-ground inspections and concrete measures would follow.
Proposed measures
• Immediate construction of STPs in newly-merged villages along Pavana river
• Fast-tracking government approval for the 20 million litres per day STP project at Kiwale
• Installation of advanced aerators at Ravet and Nighoje barrages on the Indrayani River
• Commissioning of STPs at pollution “hotspots” within a year
• Floating tenders via PMRDA for removal of water hyacinth
Demands made
• Halt direct water supply from polluted rivers and implement a dedicated pipeline system
• Install tertiary treatment and ozonation units at Nigdi and Chikhali water treatment plants
• Expand river improvement projects to include more STPs
• Promote biodiversity parks, afforestation, and eco-friendly urban development
• Oversee river restoration efforts and expedite approvals from the National River Conservation Directorate (demand made by special committee under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis)
