Mission Clean Godavari: Pawan Kalyan Targets Pollution-Free Pushkaras

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a major clean-river campaign ahead of the upcoming Godavari Pushkaras , aiming to conduct the festival in an eco-friendly and pollution-free manner. Under the “Swachh Godavari – Pavitra Pushkaralu” initiative, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced a comprehensive action plan to protect the sacred river from rising pollution levels.

During a high-level review meeting, officials were directed to immediately stop untreated sewage , industrial discharge, and aquaculture waste from entering the river. The government has identified 262 Pushkar Panchayats across six districts for focused intervention and monitoring.

To reduce contamination from rural areas, authorities will construct drainage systems , soak pits, and twin-pit sanitation units in vulnerable villages. Officials revealed that rural regions currently release 8.38 million litres of sewage into the Godavari every day, while urban areas contribute nearly 104 million litres.

Industrial and aquaculture activities have also emerged as major sources of contamination. Andhra Paper Mills alone reportedly discharges around 32 million litres of industrial waste daily, while aquaculture units in Konaseema and West Godavari districts add over 13 million litres of waste into the river system.

To address the crisis, the government has sanctioned ₹100 crore for sewage treatment infrastructure in municipalities along the river basin. Authorities have also been instructed to enforce a strict ban on single-use plastics in the identified regions.

The state will additionally establish a high-tech control room equipped with CCTV surveillance to monitor pollution sources and industrial discharge in real time. The Environmental Protection Task Force will oversee the system to ensure devotees can take holy dips in clean and safe Godavari waters during the Pushkaras.