Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding sewage pollution of Kharicut canal, Khera district, Gujarat, 01/09/2020
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Ajitsinh Bhurubha Vaghela & Inhabitants of several Villages of Kheda Taluka, Distt. Kheda Vs State of Gujarat dated 01/09/2020.
The issue for consideration is the steps to be taken for controlling untreated industrial effluents discharged in Kharicut Canal which is a tributary of Khari River in District Khera, Gujarat. According to the applicants, the said river is the source of irrigation and drinking of water by animals. Illegal bore-wells are said to have been dug without permission of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) affecting the water level. Sewage from STPs set up by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation was overflowing into the river.
The GPCB in its report of August 13, 2020 stated that when the monitoring of Kharicut Canal stretch from GIDC Naroda to downstream of Vatva GIDC was carried out on February 18, 2020 - it was observed that untreated domestic waste water was being discharged in to Kharicut canal at different locations. Also, many outlet have been created by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) for discharge of untreated domestic waste water and storm water discharge.
The NGT noted that serious violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 was taking place. "Action initiated by the State PCB so far is highly inadequate. Neither compensation for the damage to the environment has been assessed and recovered nor prosecution initiated," the NGT said.
The NGT directed the joint Committee of CPCB and GPCB to initiate action for assessment and recovery of compensation and initiating prosecution against erring officers. The Municipal Commissioner must initiate action against the erring officers and take immediate further remedial action by preparing a time bound action plan which has to be furnished to the GPCB within one month. This would be overseen by the Secretary Urban Development, Gujarat Govt. A compliance report may be furnished within two months from today by GPCB and Secretary Urban Development, Gujarat.