The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday rebuked Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the state government over rising pollution levels in the Sabarmati river.
The division bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice VD Nanavati said, “It is painful to see that those in power and/or sitting at the top hierarchical positions are protecting industrialists who are polluting the river. But no one will be spared. We take pride of our Sabarmati River how can then we spare those polluting the river?”
Both Justice Pardiwala and Nanavati informed the AMC and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) officials that they will make a surprise visit to the Sabarmati river on any given day, between 4 am and 5 am. The present pollution level in the river is a situation to worry about.
It is alleged that industries are illegally releasing pollutants in the Sewage Treatment Pipeline (STP). However, the STP is currently not working effectively. The AMC’s plan to upgrade the plant with an investment of Rs 100 crore will take a while and in the meantime, if the pollution continues, it will make the River unusable.
The Division bench has asked GPCB officials to identify varied industrial pollution and take action against them, accordingly. GPCB is also directed to collect samples and plug the issue, immediately.
Court-appointed Amicus curiae Hemang Shah submitted a report that stated that on his visit to the River, it was observed that owing to high levels of pollution, one can’t stand for a minute at the place. With the discharge of untreated water in the River, Court has asked amicus curiae to submit solutions and action required to be taken.
