Maharashtra Cabinet Approves State River Rejuvenation Authority To Tackle Pollution Across 54 Stretches

Mumbai: In a step towards tackling river pollution and strengthening water conservation, the Maharashtra government has approved the formation of the Maharashtra State River Rejuvenation Authority. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on wednesday.

CM Fadnavis to Head Apex Body for River Conservation

The newly proposed authority will function as the state’s apex body for both regulatory and developmental activities related to river conservation and rejuvenation. It will focus on restoring 54 identified polluted river stretches across Maharashtra, the highest in the country as per recent assessments.

The authority will be headed by the Chief Minister, with the Environment and Climate Change Minister serving as Vice-Chairperson. Key members will include ministers from finance, urban development, water resources, industries, and rural development departments, while the Environment Department Secretary will act as Member-Secretary.

Chief Minister to Chair Authority

Officials said the authority will prioritise river rejuvenation projects in a phased manner and work towards integrating various government schemes. It will recommend and implement measures such as sewage treatment, control of industrial effluents, and demarcation of riverbank zones to prevent encroachments.

In addition, the body will prepare comprehensive river basin management plans and oversee their execution. It will also coordinate among multiple departments, address issues related to land acquisition, encroachments, power supply, and contracts, and promote public awareness and community participation in conservation efforts.

Authority to Prepare Basin Management Plans

A dedicated executive committee and secretariat will be set up under the Environment Minister. The secretariat will include participation from environmental organisations such as the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), along with other biodiversity and conservation groups.

For funding, the Cabinet has approved mobilisation of Rs 2,000 crore through the Pollution Control Board, along with a direct government contribution of Rs 100 crore. Additionally, 10 per cent of revenue from minor mineral extraction will be allocated annually to the authority. Funds will also be sourced through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and blended finance from financial institutions.

The move is expected to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to restoring Maharashtra’s rivers and ensuring long-term ecological sustainability.

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