Maharashtra minister directs cleaning of rivers in 6 months

Maharashtra Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam today instructed officials to clean and beautify rivers and nullahs in the state in the next six months.

"Rivers and nullahs should be cleaned, beautified and made pollution-free in the next six months, especially Mumbai's three rivers, Mithi, Dahisar and Boisar," he said.

Kadam was speaking while presiding over a review meeting on river pollution in the state, especially Mumbai, held at Mantralaya (secretariat).

Additional Chief Secretary (Environment) Satish Gavai was also present.

"Drain and widen the rivers by removing mud and ensure there was no waste or sewage disposal in them," Kadam told the officials.

He also directed the officials to takestern action against companies that release chemical-filled water in rivers.

"There must be plantation of trees on the river banks. Also, basic facilities and chairs must be made available near river fronts so that they could attract tourists," he said.

The minister also reviewed the cleanliness of rivers in the state and asked the officials of municipal corporations and councils to register criminal cases against individuals and entities releasing sewage or chemicals in rivers.

During the meeting, the issue of water pollution in major rivers like Panchganga, Chandrabhaga, Bhima, Mula-Mutha and Bindusara were also discussed.