Special Correspondent
Pune: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the action plan for the Pavana River, initially approved in 2019, has expired, with significant measures still pending. The submission, made on January 4, 2025, revealed that the timeline for the plan lapsed in 2023, and key actions to address the pollution have not been completed. The CPCB has called on the NGT to direct the Maharashtra government to conduct regular reviews of the action plan and revise the timelines for its execution.
This response is part of an ongoing case concerning the Pavana River, which was classified as ‘priority 1’ or the ‘most polluted’ river under the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) standards in 2023. A report released on February 26, 2024, highlighted escalating pollution levels, prompting the NGT to take suo motu cognizance of the matter. The CPCB had previously submitted updates in August and October, but the NGT demanded further details, including an updated action plan with revised timelines.
In its submission, the CPCB noted that in 2018, it had identified 53 polluted river stretches in Maharashtra, with the Pavana River categorized as ‘priority 2’ between Dapodi and Ravet. A state-level River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC) was formed, and a rejuvenation plan for the river was approved in March 2019. However, delays in the implementation of this plan led to the worsening pollution levels, ultimately reclassifying the river to ‘priority 1’ in 2023.
Additionally, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) submitted a report in December 2024, stating that many actions, particularly related to sewage management, are still in the implementation phase. The projects are expected to be completed by December 2027, depending on land and funding availability. See
