AP Launches Special Task Force to Clean Major Rivers

With millions of devotees expected for the Godavari Pushkaralu next year, the Andhra Pradesh government has launched a major environmental mission to restore the purity of the state’s rivers. To tackle rising pollution levels and protect sacred water bodies, the government has constituted a high-level Environment Protection Task Force focused on the Godavari and other major rivers.

The decision comes after growing concerns over untreated sewage and industrial chemical waste flowing into the Godavari River. During a high-level review meeting in Rajamahendravaram, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan, officials discussed urgent measures needed to prevent further contamination ahead of the festival.

As part of his inspection, Pawan Kalyan travelled by boat through several pollution-affected stretches, including the Nalla Channel and areas surrounding Andhra Paper Mills. Disturbed by the condition of the river, he directed authorities to take immediate action against illegal discharge of wastewater and industrial effluents.

The newly formed task force has been assigned the responsibility of identifying pollution sources, monitoring industrial discharge, and implementing long-term river conservation measures. Authorities will use satellite tracking and field inspections to identify pollution routes and take swift corrective action.

The committee will function under the leadership of the Environment and Forest Department’s Principal Secretary, while the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board will coordinate operations. Senior officials from departments including municipal administration, rural development, industries, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and endowments have been included to strengthen coordination between agencies.

Technical experts from the Water Resources Department, Rural Water Supply wing, and the Clean Krishna-Godavari Canals Mission will assist in executing pollution-control projects and improving monitoring systems.

District collectors from East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, and Polavaram regions have also been appointed as core members to speed up implementation at the ground level.

The committee will meet once every fifteen days to review progress and ensure that the Godavari remains clean and spiritually significant for the millions of pilgrims expected during the upcoming Pushkaralu.