AP government constitutes special river protection task force ahead of Godavari Pushkarams

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh government has constituted a high-level environment protection task force to monitor and prevent contamination in the Godavari and other major rivers across the state. The decision assumes significance as the state prepares for the Godavari Pushkarams scheduled to commence in June 2027.The special task force was formed following directions issued by deputy chief minister K Pawan Kalyan and forests & environment minister Pawan Kalyan during a high-level review meeting in Rajamahendravaram. Environment and forest department principal Secretary Kantilal Dande subsequently issued official orders constituting the inter-departmental and inter-district committee.The newly created panel has been tasked with identifying pollution sources entering rivers, preventing the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste, and implementing long-term environmental protection measures.The move comes amid increasing concern over pollution in the Godavari ahead of the Pushkaralu, one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the state. During his recent two-day visit to Rajamahendravaram, Pawan Kalyan personally inspected several stretches of the river by boat, including drainage channels and industrial areas near Andhra Paper Mills.The deputy chief Minister reportedly expressed strong displeasure over chemical waste and municipal sewage allegedly flowing directly into the river. He instructed officials to ensure that devotees visiting during Pushkaralu experience clean and sacred river waters instead of polluted surroundings.The task force will function under the chairmanship of the principal secretary of the environment and forest department, while the member secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board will serve as the convener. Senior officials from departments including municipal administration, industries, irrigation, tourism, fisheries, panchayat raj and endowments have been inducted into the committee.District collectors from East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Kakinada, Konaseema and Polavaram regions will also be part of the task force.According to officials, the committee will hold review meetings every 15 days, conduct field inspections to identify pollution hotspots and monitor implementation of corrective measures. The government’s primary objective is to ensure pollution-free and hygienic river waters before lakhs of devotees arrive for the Godavari Pushkarams next year.