Pune, 4th July 2025: In a significant step towards environmental restoration, the Maharashtra government has unveiled a comprehensive three-phase initiative to rejuvenate key rivers across the state, including the Pavana, Indrayani, and Mula-Mutha in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad regions.
Industries Minister Uday Samant shared the details during a session of the Legislative Council, responding to questions raised by local MLCs Uma Khapre and Sachin Ahir. The initiative aims to reduce pollution levels and restore the rivers to their original, natural condition.
Samant informed that the total cost of the Indrayani and Pavana river projects stands at ₹671 crore, with 60% of the funds coming from the Centre and the remaining 40% contributed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Additionally, a separate allocation of ₹218 crore has been made for Pavana river’s revival alone, to be shared between the state and central governments.
To curb industrial pollution, a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) project is also in the pipeline. This effort, led by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), is expected to cost between ₹1,200 crore and ₹1,500 crore.
Seeking further support, the state has approached the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for international funding assistance, Samant revealed.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier pledged at a public event in Alandi that both the Indrayani and Pavana rivers would be cleaned “from source to confluence.” To fast-track the project, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will soon chair a high-level joint meeting of all three departments involved.
