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Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding Tapi river pollution, Surat, Gujarat, 11/07/2019

  • 11/07/2019

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Nav Yuva Sanghatan & Others Vs The Secretary, Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply & Kalpsar Department & Others dated 11/07/2019 regarding damage to environment in the area of Tapi river at Surat in Gujarat caused by illegal construction activities, dumping of waste, dredging, digging, illegal discharge of effluents and absence of demarcation of blue line and red line in the river bed by the Irrigation Department.

A Committee which was constituted to review and coordinate the necessary measures in its report informed the Tribunal that the untreated sewage which was being disposed off from the area within the jurisdiction of Surat Urban Development Authority have been intercepted and diverted from Valak, Gadhpur and Varachha creeks by Surat Municipal Corporation, due to which "135 MLD of untreated sewage entering into river Tapti has been stopped at the cost of Rs. 41.57 crores." In so far as the matter relating to red line and blue line is concerned, the committee reports that drawings of red line and blue line showing demarcation along the bank of the river Tapi has been submitted by the Narmada Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpser Department and that necessary action will be taken by respective authorities of the Municipal Corporation, Surat Urban Development Authority and Collector as per their jurisdiction. It is stated that the entire process is likely to be completed within 18 months as allotted.

A performance guarantee of Rs. 1 crore each would have to be submitted by the Surat Municipal Corporation, the Surat Development Authority and State Government of Gujarat to the CPCB.