CPCB Calls for Revised Timelines on Expired Pavana River Rejuvenation Plan Amid Escalating Pollution
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the action plan for the Pavana River, approved in 2019, has lapsed without achieving its critical objectives. In a detailed response submitted on January 4, 2025, the CPCB revealed that the timeline for the plan ended in 2023, leaving key measures unfulfilled. The board has now asked the NGT to order the Maharashtra government to give frequent reviews top priority, update schedules, and accelerate plan implementation.
Pavana River: A Worsening Pollution Crisis
Once categorized as a moderately polluted river stretch, the Pavana River’s condition has significantly deteriorated over the years. Initially labeled as a 'priority 2' polluted river stretch between Dapodi and Ravet in 2018, it was reclassified as 'priority 1'—the most polluted category—by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in 2023. This escalation in pollution levels caught the attention of the NGT, which took suo motu cognizance in February 2024 after a report flagged worsening water quality.
Delays in Execution and Inadequate Measures
The CPCB's latest submission highlighted persistent delays in the implementation of the Pavana River rejuvenation plan, which was approved by the state-level River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC) in March 2019. Despite early attempts, the strategy was unable to achieve its objectives in the allotted time. The river is in worse shape as a result of delays in important projects, especially trash management and sewage treatment.
The PCMC Report Indicates Upcoming Dates
In December 2024, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) released a detailed report concerning the status of its ongoing projects. The report acknowledged that sewage management measures and other critical initiatives remain in progress, with anticipated completion by December 2027. However, the advancement of these projects is contingent upon factors such as land acquisition and the availability of funding, raising concerns about the feasibility of timely implementation.
CPCB’s Recommendations and the Way Forward
The CPCB has recommended that the NGT push the Maharashtra government to ensure a more robust monitoring mechanism for the Pavana River. It has also emphasized the need for an updated action plan with realistic timelines to address the growing pollution crisis effectively.
This renewed focus on the Pavana River's revival underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent irreversible ecological damage. The next hearing in the case is expected to bring additional clarity on the future course of action and the accountability of key stakeholders in addressing this critical environmental challenge.