Water resources minister Girish Mahajan and waterman Rajendra Singh during a meeting on river rejuvenation in Mumbai
Maharashtra Launches River Conservation Initiative in Nashik
The Maharashtra government is initiating a statewide river conservation and rejuvenation program named the “Maharashtra River Conservation Campaign.” This program aims to enhance sustainable water management and ecological restoration across the state. The inaugural conclave will take place in Nashik, featuring Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in attendance.
Under the initiative, 108 rivers spread across Maharashtra will be taken up for conservation, restoration and rejuvenation through a people-centric approach involving local communities, experts and government agencies.
The campaign draws its foundation from the “Chala Januya Nadila” (Know Your Rivers) initiative undertaken during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. Officials said the studies saw participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including local residents, students, researchers, traditional knowledge holders, scientists and government departments. Mahajan said the recommendations emerging from these studies would now be translated into action through coordinated efforts involving the water resources department and other key government agencies. “The objective is not merely river cleaning, but ensuring long-term conservation and ecological restoration through public participation and scientific planning,” he said. Welcoming the proposed initiative, Rajendra Singh said river rejuvenation was one of the most pressing environmental challenges that Maharashtra is facing.
The meeting was attended by renowned water conservationist and Magsaysay Award winner Rajendra Singh, environmentalist Rajesh Pandit, senior government officials, and representatives of Jal Biradari which is a national network working for river conservation. The state govt plans to submit a proposal on the campaign to Fadnavis for formal approval. Based on the field observations and consultations, river-wise action plans have been prepared to address challenges such as pollution, encroachments, depletion of natural flows and loss of river ecology. He expressed confidence that launching the campaign from Nashik could generate momentum for similar efforts across the state and encourage greater community participation in river restoration projects.
The announcement was made by water resources and Kumbh Mela minister Girish Mahajan during a high-level meeting on river rejuvenation held at the Mantralaya in Mumbai on Tuesday.