Pawan Kalyan Reviews Godavari Pushkaralu Preparations

As preparations intensify for the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan reaffirmed that protecting the Godavari River from pollution remains a top priority for the coalition government. During his visit to Rajamahendravaram on Monday, he carried out a detailed review of the Pushkaralu arrangements and inspected the environmental conditions surrounding the river.

Travelling in a special boat along the river, Pawan Kalyan examined ongoing works at major ghats and reviewed pollution-affected stretches along the riverbanks. He later inspected the Nalla Channel drainage pumping station to understand how untreated sewage and industrial waste are entering the Godavari.

The Deputy Chief Minister also questioned Pollution Control Board officials regarding the treatment of wastewater discharged from a nearby paper mill. He stressed the need for strict monitoring and proper scientific treatment of industrial effluents before they are released into the river.

Officials informed him that the city generates nearly 55 million litres of sewage every day, while existing treatment facilities process only a limited portion of it. A large volume of untreated wastewater continues to flow directly into the river, raising serious environmental concerns.

Expressing concern over the situation, Pawan Kalyan directed officials to prepare a long-term action plan to ensure complete treatment of sewage before it is discharged into the Godavari. He also instructed departments to utilise Central government funds with full transparency and accountability.

District authorities later briefed him on the progress of beautification works, ghat strengthening projects, and facilities being arranged for devotees. Emphasising both public convenience and river conservation, the Deputy Chief Minister called for faster execution of works while ensuring sustainable environmental protection measures remain in place.