Pune: Three-Phase River Purification Project Underway: Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant
Mumbai/Pune, 3rd July 2025: The Maharashtra government has launched a three-phase initiative to purify major rivers in the state, including Pavana, Indrayani, and Mula-Mutha in the Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune regions. The project aims to reduce pollution and restore these rivers to their natural state, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant informed the Legislative Council on Wednesday.
The update came in response to a question raised by Pimpri-Chinchwad based MLC Uma Khapre regarding the implementation of river rejuvenation projects by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). MLC Sachin Ahir also raised a supplementary question on the matter.
Responding to the query, Minister Samant stated that the total cost for the Indrayani and Pavana river projects is estimated at ₹671 crore, with 60% funding from the central government and the remaining 40% from PMRDA. An additional ₹218 crore has been allocated specifically for the Pavana river project, with the funding split similarly between the central and state governments. He also noted that a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) project is being implemented through the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to treat industrial wastewater, at a projected cost of ₹1,200 to ₹1,500 crore.
Samant added that the state has initiated the process of seeking international financial assistance, with a proposal already submitted to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding.
He further mentioned that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had recently announced at a program in Alandi that the Indrayani and Pavana rivers would be purified “from source to confluence.” To monitor progress, a joint meeting of the three relevant departments will soon be held under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Samant confirmed.
