The State Government of Maharashtra has granted ‘in-principle’ approval to a significant initiative aimed at revitalizing and conserving the Indrayani River. This ambitious undertaking, known as the Indrayani River Rejuvenation Project, has been forwarded to the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) of the central government for the final go-ahead. A crucial facet of the project involves the establishment of 18 sewage treatment plants (STPs) along the riverbanks, marking a crucial step towards combating water pollution and revitalizing the river’s ecosystem.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has taken the lead in conceptualizing this endeavor, with a proposed budget of ₹500 crore dedicated to the rejuvenation of the Indrayani River. Underpinning this financial commitment is a partnership between the central and state governments, with 60% of the funds coming from the central government and the remaining 40% contributed by the state.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of PMRDA, Ramdas Jagtap, explained, “The Indrayani River Rejuvenation Project has been granted ‘in-principle’ approval by the state government following its presentation to the environment department’s appointed committee. This endorsement paves the way for its submission to the central government’s NRCD for the final authorization, with an approximate budget of ₹500 crore dedicated to addressing water pollution.”
The Indrayani River, spanning 103.5 kilometers from Kurwande village to a segment of the Bhima River at Tulapur, comprises the project’s focal area. Within this expanse, 18 kilometers fall under the jurisdiction of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), which will oversee the project’s implementation on both riverbanks. The remaining 87.5 kilometers are entrusted to the PMRDA, signifying a cooperative approach to river restoration.
The blueprint for the project encompasses the installation of 18 STPs, designed not only to treat the river’s waters but also to manage inflow from adjacent canals. Considering the river’s religious significance due to revered pilgrimage sites like Dehu and Alandi situated along its banks, the initiative holds the promise of transforming the river into a pristine and pollution-free resource. A key player in this transformation is the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), tasked with curbing the release of untreated industrial effluents into the river. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will oversee and regulate these efforts.
Beyond its ecological impact, the project aims to position the Indrayani River as a flourishing tourist destination. Given the alarming discharge of untreated sewage directly into the river, the initiative strives to curtail such detrimental practices. Furthermore, the future phases of the project encompass flood control measures, the enhancement of riverbanks, and the construction of devotional ghats, all aimed at elevating the region’s status as an attractive tourist hotspot.
As this transformative project advances from ‘in-principle’ approval towards full implementation, it carries the potential to not only rejuvenate the Indrayani River but also to serve as a model for holistic river conservation efforts across the country.
