India, April 12 -- The state government will set up an independent River Rejuvenation Authority to tackle rising water pollution and improve implementation of restoration works, Environment Minister Pankaja Munde said on Friday.

Reviewing the Mula-Mutha river pollution control project under the National River Conservation Plan, Munde directed officials to prioritise eco-friendly, pollution-free measures in river beautification.

She flagged non-functional sewage treatment plants (STPs) in several industrial units due to poor maintenance. "All operational STPs in Pune must run at full capacity. The civic body must ensure there are no complaints regarding their performance," she said.

The meeting was attended by senior civic officials and...