Abstract: The author examines in detail aspects of the ecological program for the Volga River, the legal and regulatory framework governing its conservation and rehabilitation, as well as the implementation of the federal project "Revitalization of the Volga." The article discusses the historical and economic significance of the Volga, its role for Russia as the main water artery. The author addresses issues related to water pollution caused by anthropogenic impact. Special attention is given to the reasons for the inefficiency of project implementation, including insufficient regional coordination, lack of public involvement, and the need for better integration of scientific knowledge. The author emphasizes on the importance of developing modern monitoring technologies and their application. Additionally, a unified strategy for restoring the Volga basin is proposed, calling for the expansion of federal programs and improvement of inter-agency cooperation to effectively address environmental consequences. The research is based on general scientific and specific scientific methods of cognition, allowing for the analysis of the regulatory framework, federal programs, and historical data. This enabled a rough assessment of the current ecological state of the Volga River. The main conclusions of the study indicate that the Strategy for implementing the measures aimed at the "Revitalization of the Volga" should be based on a comprehensive approach, addressing ecological, economic, and social issues and their solutions. Complexity is also necessary in terms of legal regulation, as the rehabilitation of water bodies involves several sectors. First and foremost, a detailed analysis of the current state of the river must be conducted, a technical base for data collection established, key sources of pollution identified, and priority zones for rehabilitation activities determined. The novelty of the research lies in the proposal to create a single operator overseeing the implementation of such a federal project. The unification of efforts of various ministries and agencies responsible for environmental protection, water resources, and territorial development will create the synergistic effect necessary for the effective execution of the program. The author also considers it advisable to adopt other measures: – eliminate the lack of equipment and modernize wastewater treatment infrastructure;
– extend the planning horizon of the new program, allocating part of the time for result analysis and data recording; – implement new water purification and monitoring technologies; – establish analytical centers (think tanks) focused on the comprehensive study of the problems of the Volga.