Three-Phase River Purification Project Begins – Industries Minister Uday Samant

Mumbai | The government has decided to implement a three-phase project to purify the major rivers in the state. These projects are being undertaken to reduce the pollution and completely purify the Pavana, Indrayani, and Mula-Mutha rivers in the Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, and surrounding areas, informed Industries Minister Uday Samant.

Legislative Council member Uma Khapre had raised a question regarding the completion of the river rejuvenation project for Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Legislative Council member Sachin Ahir also raised a supplementary question.

Giving more information on the matter, Industries Minister Samant said that the total cost of the Indrayani and Pavana river project (through PMRDA) is ₹671 crore, of which 60% will be funded by the central government and 40% by PMRDA. The cost of the Pavana river project (through PMRDA) is ₹218 crore, with funding shared as 60% by the center and 40% by local authorities. The CETP project (through MIDC) will cost between ₹1,200 to ₹1,500 crore, and its objective is to check the treatment of industrial wastewater in the MIDC areas.

For the entire project, the process of obtaining a loan from ‘JICA’ (Japan International Cooperation Agency) is underway, and a proposal has been submitted. Minister Samant also stated that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently announced at a program held in Alandi that “the Indrayani and Pavana rivers will be completely purified from their origin to their confluence.” He further informed that a meeting of all three departments will be held under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.