Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde Prioritizes River Cleanliness Over Beautification
Clean rivers before beautification, says Pankaja Munde
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Pankaja Munde, Maharashtra's environment minister, emphasized the need for pollution-free rivers as a priority over beautification projects during a review meeting in Akurdi. She announced plans for stricter enforcement against polluters and the establishment of a 'River Rejuvenation Authority' to restore affected rivers.
- 01Munde prioritizes river cleanliness over beautification projects.
- 02Untreated sewage from various sources is a significant pollution cause.
- 03A 'River Rejuvenation Authority' will be established to restore rivers.
- 04Civic bodies must remove encroachments along riverbanks.
- 05Mandatory sewage treatment plants (STPs) for housing societies are proposed.
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During a review meeting at the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) headquarters, Pankaja Munde (Maharashtra's environment minister) stressed that ensuring rivers are pollution-free should take precedence over beautification efforts. She highlighted that untreated sewage from local bodies, private establishments, and industries is a primary contributor to river pollution. Munde noted that many sewage treatment plants (STPs) are poorly maintained and often non-functional, and announced that strict action will be taken against violators. Plans for an independent 'River Rejuvenation Authority' are underway to focus on restoring rivers. Munde also inspected the Indrayani and Pavana rivers to assess pollution levels and directed civic bodies to remove encroachments along riverbanks. She mandated that all housing societies must have STPs, ensuring that only treated water enters rivers. Furthermore, Munde addressed air pollution concerns, instructing authorities to enforce regulations on construction sites that fail to manage dust properly.
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This initiative aims to improve the health of local rivers, which will benefit communities relying on these water sources for drinking and agriculture.
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