NGT reviews interim measures for Pavana river pollution

Amid rising concerns over degradation of Pavana river, the National Green Tribunal’s Western Zone Bench reviewed interim pollution control measures submitted by Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and other authorities at a hearing held on July 17 . The tribunal urged them to transform words into water-saving actions.

- Gayatri Vajpeyee

The watchdog registered a suo motu case regarding the river pollution after taking cognizance of news report published in Hindustan Times in February 2024. In the last hearing held on June 24, 2025, the river rejuvenation committee in their response stated that the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has submitted a detailed project report on 15 proposed sewage treatment plants along the river.

The authority will submit the ₹215-crore project to the National River Conservation Directorate and the state government for approval. Objecting the timeline of the project which is December 2029, the NGT directed PCMC to submit interim measures to control the river pollution.