Pawan Kalyan seeks centre’s support for ‘Clean Godavari’

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests, Environment, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Pawan Kalyan has urged the Union Government to launch a “Clean Godavari” initiative on the lines of the prestigious Namami Gange programme to restore and preserve the sanctity of the Godavari River ahead of the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu.

During his visit to New Delhi on Tuesday, Pawan Kalyan met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and discussed the growing environmental challenges facing the Godavari River, including pollution, untreated sewage discharge and solid waste management. He emphasized that the Andhra Pradesh government is preparing to conduct the next Godavari Pushkaralu under the theme “Swachh Godavari – Pavitra Pushkaralu” and sought active support from the Centre to achieve this objective.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Pawan Kalyan said millions of devotees from across the country are expected to visit the river during Pushkaralu, making it essential to ensure the river remains clean and pollution-free. He stressed the need for establishing additional sewage treatment plants in municipalities along the river basin to prevent untreated wastewater from entering the Godavari. Discussions also focused on identifying major pollution sources and implementing scientific measures to control both liquid and solid waste from flowing directly into the river.

The Deputy Chief Minister submitted a detailed report outlining Andhra Pradesh’s plans for pollution control, river conservation and Pushkaralu management. According to him, the Union Minister appreciated the state’s vision and assured cooperation in implementing river-cleaning measures before the festival. Pawan Kalyan also requested the Centre to extend greater assistance under the Jal Jeevan Mission to strengthen water infrastructure across the state.

In another key meeting, Pawan Kalyan met Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and discussed several innovative rural development initiatives being implemented in Andhra Pradesh. Chouhan praised the state government’s Magic Drains and water conservation projects and reportedly directed officials to explore similar models in his own parliamentary constituency. He also commended Andhra Pradesh for conducting social audits with a high degree of transparency.

The Deputy Chief Minister further invited the Union Minister to inaugurate the national launch of the VBG Ramji Scheme in Andhra Pradesh on July 1. Chouhan accepted the invitation and agreed to hold the national-level programme in the state.

Later, Pawan Kalyan also met Union Environment and Forests Minister Bhupender Yadav, where discussions focused on key forestry, environmental conservation and ecological development issues concerning Andhra Pradesh.