New Delhi, March 01 The 21st meeting of the Central Monitoring Committee (CMC) on river rejuvenation, chaired by V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, reviewed State-wise progress on polluted river stretches and sewage infrastructure.
Officials from the National Mission for Clean Ganga, State Governments, and Pollution Control Boards participated in the deliberations.
Drawing on the 2025 assessment by the Central Pollution Control Board, the Committee noted a continued decline in the overall number of polluted river stretches since 2018, while flagging fresh additions and deterioration in certain river segments in some States.
The Chair emphasised that creation of infrastructure must be complemented by efficient operation, regulatory compliance, and timely execution. States were urged to bridge sewage treatment gaps, improve performance and utilisation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), expedite ongoing sewerage projects, strengthen industrial pollution control, promote reuse of treated wastewater, and adopt real-time monitoring systems.
The meeting concluded with a strong call for time-bound, outcome-driven action and enhanced coordination to ensure sustained improvement in river water quality across the country.
