Municipal commissioners to oversee river rejuvenation program

24 Jan 2023 CW Team

Instead of district collectors, municipal commissioners from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Thane will now serve as the program's chairman for the Maharashtra government's "Chala Januya Nadila" (Know Our River) initiative. The change intends to enhance the program's execution.

The state government established this program to enhance the condition of the state's waterways. For short- and long-term government measures to raise biodiversity and improve water quality, over 103 rivers have been shortlisted.

The program's completion deadlines have been extended by six months. Prior schedules said that the program would start for at least 75 rivers in the state until January 26, 2023. The district-level committees had until January 20, 2023, to complete their reports, and they had until January 22, 2023, to submit them to the government. The last day to submit applications has been moved up to August 15.

To educate the public about maintaining the health of these water bodies, the state government of Maharashtra initiated the rejuvenation initiative for 103 rivers in September 2022. A "Nadi Samvad" Yatra and the "Chala Januya Nadila" (Know Our Rivers) campaign were initiated by the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department.

Indrayani, Pawna, Velganga, Mutha, Khushivali, Bhatsa, and Bharangi rivers are in Pune; Ulhas, Dahisar, Mithi, Walghat, Oshiwara, and Poisar rivers are in Mumbai; and Krishna and its tributaries, Bhima, are in Pune.

The initiative intends to, among other things, map the state of rivers from their source to their mouth, research the cultural interactions of people with rivers, take time-bound action to reduce river pollution, and map encroachments.

The state government made the decision on September 30, 2022, and on October 14, 2022, it released a resolution outlining the goals and road plan.

During the project's implementation, district-level officials—who are in charge of it—found out that in some municipal corporations in the state, the commissioner has more authority over waterways than the district collector.

The programme coordinator for Mumbai, Senal Dhonde said, “We requested the government that in the case of Mumbai especially, the Municipal Commissioner holds greater power than the district collector when it comes to maintenance of rivers. Hence, instead of the district collector, the municipal commissioner should head the committee. Our demands were met, but they are now applicable to four other cities.”

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Instead of district collectors, municipal commissioners from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Thane will now serve as the program's chairman for the Maharashtra government's Chala Januya Nadila (Know Our River) initiative. The change intends to enhance the program's execution. The state government established this program to enhance the condition of the state's waterways. For short- and long-term government measures to raise biodiversity and improve water quality, over 103 rivers have been shortlisted. The program's completion deadlines have been extended by six months. Prior schedules said that the program would start for at least 75 rivers in the state until January 26, 2023. The district-level committees had until January 20, 2023, to complete their reports, and they had until January 22, 2023, to submit them to the government. The last day to submit applications has been moved up to August 15. To educate the public about maintaining the health of these water bodies, the state government of Maharashtra initiated the rejuvenation initiative for 103 rivers in September 2022. A Nadi Samvad Yatra and the Chala Januya Nadila (Know Our Rivers) campaign were initiated by the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department. Indrayani, Pawna, Velganga, Mutha, Khushivali, Bhatsa, and Bharangi rivers are in Pune; Ulhas, Dahisar, Mithi, Walghat, Oshiwara, and Poisar rivers are in Mumbai; and Krishna and its tributaries, Bhima, are in Pune. The initiative intends to, among other things, map the state of rivers from their source to their mouth, research the cultural interactions of people with rivers, take time-bound action to reduce river pollution, and map encroachments. The state government made the decision on September 30, 2022, and on October 14, 2022, it released a resolution outlining the goals and road plan. During the project's implementation, district-level officials—who are in charge of it—found out that in some municipal corporations in the state, the commissioner has more authority over waterways than the district collector. The programme coordinator for Mumbai, Senal Dhonde said, “We requested the government that in the case of Mumbai especially, the Municipal Commissioner holds greater power than the district collector when it comes to maintenance of rivers. Hence, instead of the district collector, the municipal commissioner should head the committee. Our demands were met, but they are now applicable to four other cities.” See also: Sonowal launches Bharat PravahIndian hydropower project's design on Bramhaputra changed

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..