Maharashtra Sets Up River Rejuvenation Authority to Tackle Pollution Across 54 Stretches

Maharashtra has formed a dedicated river rejuvenation authority to restore 54 polluted river stretches, prioritising sewage treatment, industrial regulation, and waste management with phased implementation and initial funding support.

Mumbai | 29 April 2026: In response to worsening river pollution, the Maharashtra government has approved the creation of the Maharashtra State River Rejuvenation Authority to oversee restoration efforts across 54 identified polluted river stretches in the state.

The authority will function under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as its chairperson, with the Environment Minister serving as vice-chairperson. Both Deputy Chief Ministers will also be part of the governing body, ensuring coordination at the highest level.

The move follows findings from the Central Pollution Control Board’s 2025 report, which highlighted that out of 296 polluted river stretches across India, the highest number 54 are located in Maharashtra. This has raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of rivers due to untreated sewage, industrial discharge, and mismanaged solid waste.

The newly formed body will adopt a phased approach, prioritising the most critically affected stretches first. Key interventions will include strengthening sewage treatment infrastructure, regulating industrial pollution, and improving solid waste management systems to reduce the burden on river ecosystems.

Financially, the authority will be supported through a corpus fund of ₹2,000 crore sourced from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, along with an initial allocation of ₹100 crore approved by the state government for the current financial year.Beyond infrastructure, the authority will also focus on stricter enforcement of environmental norms, riverbank protection, and promoting public awareness and participation. It is expected to act as a nodal agency coordinating multiple departments, addressing challenges such as land acquisition, power supply, and project bottlenecks.

An independent state-level executive committee will monitor the implementation of projects and review progress every three months to ensure timely execution.The initiative is modelled on the lines of the National River Conservation Authority, aiming to bring a structured and accountable approach to river restoration in Maharashtra.

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