21st Central Monitoring Committee Meeting (Part-II) Reviews Progress of States on River Rejuvenation and Pollution Abatement

**Executive Summary** The 21st Central Monitoring Committee (CMC) Meeting (Part-II) was held on April 9, 2026, to review the progress of 15 States and Union Territories regarding river rejuvenation and pollution abatement. Chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the meeting assessed the implementation of action plans for polluted river stretches and sewage infrastructure. Key outcomes include a mandate for States to bridge sewage treatment gaps, adopt treated water reuse policies, and ensure the timely submission of Monthly Progress Reports (MPRs). **Key Points / Main Content** **Infrastructure and Compliance** * **Sewage Treatment:** Review of the progress of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), including their functioning and compliance status. * **Project Execution:** Emphasis on expediting ongoing projects and optimizing the utilization of existing treatment infrastructure to bridge the gap between sewage generation and treatment. * **Solid Waste Management:** Assessment of interventions related to solid waste management as part of the broader pollution abatement strategy. **Environmental and Regulatory Oversight** * **Floodplain Management:** Focus on strengthening floodplain zoning and regulating environmental flows. * **Coastal Pollution:** Review of the status of submission of action plans specifically for managing pollution in coastal areas. * **Institutional Monitoring:** Assessment of the performance and functioning of River Rejuvenation Committees (RRCs) in the respective states. **Policy and Reporting Directives** * **Water Reuse:** States and UTs are advised to enhance the reuse of treated wastewater and adopt a formal "Reuse of Treated Water Policy" if not already implemented. * **Monitoring Mechanisms:** Instructions to improve existing monitoring mechanisms to ensure sustained river water quality. * **Reporting Requirements:** Reiteration of the requirement for the timely submission of Monthly Progress Reports (MPRs) to the Central Committee. **Impact Analysis** **State Governments and Union Territories (specifically TN, KA, SK, MN, ML, MZ, NL, TR, TS, AP, DNHDD, MH, GA, and HP)** **Impact** These entities are under direct scrutiny for their progress in pollution abatement and are responsible for the functional success of environmental infrastructure. **Action Required** States must expedite ongoing STP/CETP projects, adopt treated water reuse policies, strengthen floodplain zoning, and ensure the consistent submission of Monthly Progress Reports. **River Rejuvenation Committees (RRCs) and State Pollution Control Boards** **Impact** These bodies are identified as the primary administrative and technical units responsible for executing and monitoring river cleaning action plans. **Action Required** Improve monitoring mechanisms, ensure the compliance of existing infrastructure with environmental standards, and finalize action plans for coastal pollution management. **Ministry of Jal Shakti and Central Agencies (CPCB, NRCD, NMCG)** **Impact** The Ministry and its associated wings act as the central oversight body, responsible for coordinating national river rejuvenation efforts and tracking state-level progress. **Action Required** Continue detailed reviews of state progress and provide oversight on the implementation of environmental flows and floodplain regulations.

Key Entities Referenced