The Maharashtra state government is set to establish an independent River Rejuvenation Authority to combat increasing water pollution, as stated by Environment Minister Pankaja Munde. During a review of the Mula-Mutha river pollution control project, Munde highlighted the importance of eco-friendly measures for river beautification and directed officials to ensure that all sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Pune operate at full capacity. Concerns were raised regarding the poor maintenance of several non-functional STPs in industrial units. Munde also announced plans to secure land from the Agriculture Department for a sewage treatment project at the Botanical Garden in Aundh and introduced a new policy to promote sewage treatment initiatives in villages. The meeting included senior civic officials and Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, who provided updates on sewage generation, treatment capacity, and ongoing challenges. These initiatives come amid rising concerns over pollution in the Mula-Mutha river, with the government advocating for faster and more sustainable clean-up measures.