Pune: Maharashtra Government Approves Rs 526 Crore Indrayani River Improvement Project Under AMRUT 2.0 Scheme

Bhosari, 14th December 2023: In a significant move to address the pollution concerns surrounding the Indrayani River, the Maharashtra State Government has greenlit the Indrayani River Improvement Project, which has now been integrated into the AMRUT 2.0 campaign by the Central Government. The project, aimed at revitalizing the river, has received a total funding allocation of ₹526 crores. The Maharashtra State Urban Development Department has issued directives to initiate action on the recommendations of the state-level steering committee overseeing the project.

The issue of Indrayani River pollution gained prominence during the winter session, prompting BJP MLA Mahesh Landge to raise concerns within the Legislative Hall. MLA Landge had previously spearheaded the ‘Namami Indrayani’ project under the ‘Vision-2020’ initiative during the tenure of then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. However, the project faced neglect during the Mahavikas Aghadi rule in 2019.

With the formation of a coalition government in the state, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the pilgrimage site Alandi in October 2022. Subsequently, the Maharashtra State High Power Committee approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted by Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Pune Pradesh Metropolitan Development Authority (PMRDA) during a two-day meeting. The proposal was forwarded to the central government for further consideration.

The Maharashtra State Waterworks Plan was prepared by the Urban Development Department of the State Government under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme sponsored by the Central Government. The Indrayani River Improvement Project has been included in this plan, and a substantial fund of ₹526 crores has been allocated. The proposal is currently awaiting approval from the apex committee of the central government. The Ministry of Urban Development has directed the PCMC administration to secure technical approval from Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran and submit the necessary documents for the project.

Since 2014, the Maharashtra State Government has periodically engaged with the PCMC administration to advance the Indrayani River Improvement Project. The project gained momentum in 2017 when the BJP assumed power in PCMC but faced delays after a change in Maharashtra Government in 2019. The renewed push for the project comes at a time when both the state and central governments share a like-minded approach. The government’s positive response during the winter session signals a renewed commitment to promote the river improvement project. Environmental clearances and central government approvals are expected to follow, and continuous efforts will be made to secure these at the government level.

Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge Said, “The river improvement project should be promoted, and the government has responded positively. Funds will be available for the river improvement project through AMRUT-2. We will follow up at the government level for environmental no-objection certificates and central government approval.”