Skip to main content

Vadodara authorities allowing debris dumping, sewage disposal in Vishwamitri river

Rohit Prajapati briefing media off Vishwamitri river
Several concerned citizens of Gujarat’s cultural capital, Vadodara, have written a scathing letter to the city’s municipal commissioner, with copies to top environment officials of the state and Central governments, regarding failure to implement the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders, especially with respect to existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and discharging illegal, untreated raw sewage into the Vishwamitri river, her tributaries, wetlands, and ponds.
The signatories include Rohit Prajapati, Environment Activist, Researcher, and Writer; Sanjay Soni, Field Expert; Krishnakant, Environment Activist; Neha Sarwate, Environmental and Urban Planner; Deepa Gavali, PhD, Wetland Ecologist; Ranjitsinh Devkar, PhD, Zoologist; Shishir R. Raval, PhD, Landscape Architect and Ecological Planner; Jitendra Gavali, PhD, Botanist; Shakti Bhatt, Water Resources Expert; Arjun Singh Mehta, PhD, Biotechnologist; Jayendra Lakhmapurkar, PhD, Hydro-Geologist; Hitarth Pandya, Educationist and Writer; Rutvik Tank, Civil Engineer and Urban Planner; Dhara Patel, Landscape Architect and Architect; Dhrumil Kantharia, Landscape Architect and Mrugen Rathod, Visual Artist.
The letter:
***
For the long-pending rejuvenation of the entire Vishwamitri River and its watershed, it was expected from the concerned authorities to implement the following Orders:
A. Hon’ble National Green Tribunal Order, dated 25.05.2021, O. A. No. 228/2020 (Earlier O.A. No. 49/2016 (WZ)) and Execution Application No. 45/2016 (WZ) (Rohit Prajapati & Anr V/s Secretary, MoEF & CC & Ors.),
B. Hon’ble National Green Tribunal Order, dated 22.02.2021, Principal Bench, Delhi, Original Application No. 593 of 2017, (Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti & Anrs V/s Union of India & Ors), AND
C. Hon’ble Supreme Court Order, dated 22.02.2017, Writ Petition (Civil) No. 375 of 2012 (Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti & Anrs V/s Union of India & Ors)We have already conveyed our consolidated representation, to revive the river and maintain its integrity in totality through holistic landscape / ecological planning and site specific landscape and urban designs, based on sound sciences and data through letter dated 07.06.2021.
We would like to put on record that the actions required to be taken by the concerned authorities with respect to the above three Orders have admittedly been still not taken. As per the Hon’ble Supreme Court Order, dated 22.02.2017, Writ Petition (Civil) No. 375 of 2012 (Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti & Anrs V/s Union of India & Ors) the existing STPs were required to meet the prescribed norms by May 2017 and new STPs were required to be set up within three years, i.e. February 2020.
It is shocking to note that no serious action has been taken by the concerned authorities to implement the said Order and respond to the various, recurrent Show Cause Notices issued by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). This has been revealed by the information received under RTI dated 14.02.2022 - “Detailed Report on STPs of Vadodara Municipal Corporation with reference to Polluted River Stretch of River Vishwamitri” and other information related to communications related to the progress - from the GPCB.
The report states the total sewage generation to be 409 MLD based on the assumed (Municipal Supply) water consumption of 490 MLD. This does not account for the unquantified ground water usage by the citizens of the city. According to the Report, there are 9 existing STPs, 3 under construction (102.5 MLD) and 3 in the planning stage (294 MLD). It is pertinent to note that 7 out of the 9 STPs are not meeting the prescribed norms, yet they are allowed to discharge directly into the River. This indicates that as on today, the existing STPs are unable to accommodate the sewage generated by the city and hence safe to assume that currently, a substantial quantity of untreated raw sewage is discharged directly into the river.
Additionally, untreated raw sewage is discharged directly into the Vishwamitri River, that is neither identified nor documented with respect to their specific location, quantity, and quality of discharge. Numerous Show Cause Notices have been issued by the GPCB since 2019 regarding noncompliance and state that “--- to show cause within 15 days from the date of receipt of this show cause notice in view of the noncompliance observed above and why legal action should not be initiated as per the provision of the Acts which may include rejection of your application and suspension / closure of your unit” (STP). Till today, such show cause notices have proven to be futile and routine exercises. Ironically, even the GPCB has not taken action mentioned in their own show cause notices!
We summarize the said Report as:
  • Majority of the STPs do not operate adequately so as to meet with the discharge norm of the River.
  • Performance and the treatability of existing STPs is questionable as the facilities for analysis of basic parameters are either absent or inadequate leading us to question the authenticity of the monitoring records maintained at the STPs.
  • Online monitoring facilities and flow measuring facilities are absent at most locations except Rajivnagar STP and Kapurai new STP.
  • Six major outfalls into the River showing high COD, BOD and FC values indicate that untreated, partially treated sewage is getting directly discharged into the River.
  • Water Quality of the River at various locations indicates unacceptable levels of BOD, COD and FC with the DO as nil.
The said state of affairs indicates a grim picture for the city of Vadodara. Our previous communication has laid out strategies and actions towards the rejuvenation and restoration of the River. Despite various laws, and now 3 major Orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal, multiple Show Cause notices, and recommendations, the situation has deteriorated even further.
The Order dated 22.02.2021, Original Application No. 593 of 2017 (Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti & Anrs V/s Union of India & Ors) clearly states:
“21. We may now sum up our directions: -
[…]
(iii) All the Local Bodies and or the concerned departments of the State Government have to ensure 100% treatment of the generated sewage and in default to pay compensation which is to be recovered by the States/UTs, with effect from 01.04.2020. In default of such collection, the States/UTs are liable to pay such compensation. The CPCB is to collect the same and utilize for restoration of the environment.
[…]
37. In view of the above, we are of opinion that the monitoring by the Tribunal cannot be unending and must now be taken over by the concerned authorities. The roadmap stands laid out. Action plans have been prepared for remediation of all the 351 identified polluted river stretches. Gaps have been identified for ETPs/CETPs/STPs (including modular STPs wherever necessary). Timelines are clear. […] Consequences for delay in terms of compensation and administrative measures have been clearly mentioned.
38. […] As per scheme of the NGT Act, every order of NGT is executable as a decree of Civil Court. (27 Section 25 of the NGT Act, 2010 read with Section 51 of the CPC providing for mode of execution which include civil imprisonment.)
Further, failure to comply order of the NGT is an offence punishable with imprisonment upto three years or fine upto Rs. 10 crores with additional fine for continuing offence after conviction. If the offence is by a Government Department, Head of the Department is deemed to be guilty. Cognizance of the offence can be taken by a Court on a complaint of Central Government or any other person who has given notice to the Central Government or its authorized representative. The complaint can be filed before a Court of Magistrate of first class. It is, thus, necessary in view of continuing violation of NGT order, requiring payment of compensation to reiterate the direction of responsibility for payment of compensation, to be of the Chief Secretaries and in default, their liability to be proceeded against for coercive measures for execution or by way of prosecution as per NGT Act, 2010.”
The recent Hon’ble Gujarat High Court Judgment dated 28.01.2022, in Civil Application No. 1 of 2022 in Writ Petition (PIL) No 98 of 2021, clearly states:
“74. We may also observe that this litigation is an eye opener for all other major Municipal Corporations across the State of Gujarat. There is not just one Sabarmati River in the State of Gujarat. There are many rivers flowing across the State of Gujarat, which have suffered pollution beyond repairs. Therefore, if the other Municipal Corporations have also not paid attention to what we have observed in this order, then it is high time they start acting in the right direction before it is too late in the day.”
The following are issues that were expected to be acted upon as per Orders, and directions from concerned authorities that have not been addressed so far:
  • Removal of debris from the ravines, ponds, wetlands, and other water entities.
  • Scientific and technical mapping of the Floodplains and identification of all unauthorized structures and dumping sites within the Floodplains. Characterization, quantification, and identification of all legal / illegal sewage discharges.
  • Formulation of the River Restoration Plan and implementation and modification of the River Action Plan.
  • Instead of these ‘constructive’ activities and actions, the VMC continues with debris dumping, turning a blind eye to old and on-going construction activities in the river floodplain and eco-sensitive areas, granting approval and constructions of various new projects in the river floodplain and the eco-sensitive areas, continuing discharge of untreated and ill-treated sewage and ad-hoc interventions in the river. These inactions and unresponsiveness portrays the audacity of the concerned authorities and is testing the patience of the River, her environs, and the people of Vadodara.
Hence, we demand:
  • Immediate Exemplary Action should be taken against the Vadodara Municipal Corporation and the officers for the non-compliance of the environment laws and following Orders:
  • Hon’ble National Green Tribunal Order, dated 25.05.2021, O. A. No. 228/2020 (Earlier O.A. No. 49/2016 (WZ)) and Execution Application No. 45/2016 (WZ) (Rohit Prajapati & Anr V/s Secretary, MoEF & CC & Ors.),
  • Hon’ble National Green Tribunal Order, dated 22.02.2021, Principal Bench, Delhi, Original Application No. 593 of 2017, (Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti & Anrs V/s Union of India & Ors), AND
  • Hon’ble Supreme Court Order, dated 22.02.2017, Writ Petition (Civil) No. 375 of 2012 (Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti & Anrs V/s Union of India & Ors)
  • Environment Compensation should be recovered from Vadodara Municipal Corporation as per Hon’ble National Green Tribunal Order, dated 22.02.2021, Principal Bench, Delhi, Original Application No. 593 of 2017, (Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti & Anrs V/s Union of India & Ors)
  • Investigate for thoroughly determining the shortcomings towards the non-implementation and compliance of explicit directions given by various authorities and Orders. Make accountable and prosecute any / all concerned departments / authorities / parties that were and / or are responsible for the degradation of the river system and responsible for disasters by violating above mentioned orders of the courts.
  • Various concerned departments at the State, District and Local Government levels must co-operate, collaborate, and pro-actively participate to address issues mentioned above.
  • Establish and empower an effective, functional, well qualified quasi-governmental / semi statutory authority / task force, that includes subject experts (ecologists, geologists, hydrologists, botanists, zoologists, wetland specialists, environmental / urban / ecological planners, environmental / civil engineers, landscape architects, waste water specialists, other built environment professionals) as well as knowledgeable and experienced members of the community at-large, related to the various facets of the river system in order to fulfill the above agenda in a proactive, transparent, and accountable manner.
  • Establish a fully functional, effective, and knowledgeable landscape architecture, urban and environmental planning, and urban design departments in the VUDA / VMC that also includes experts from various related fields (such as ecologists, hydro-geologists, environmental engineer, waste water treatment, etc.) to ensure better plans and detailed designs for the city and the entire watershed.
  • No new permissions for demolition, reconstruction, or renovation of old buildings should be allowed till official permits and protocols for demolition are properly devised as well as fully operational recycling and up-cycling plants are well-established. No new construction and infrastructure intervention should be allowed before the completion of the mapping and demarcation of the floodplain zones, appropriate mechanisms for its implementation.
As always, we are still willing to collaborate towards the restoration and rejuvenation of the Vishwamitri River and her environs that can lead to the right kind of brand value and recognition of Vadodara city and our eco-region, nationally and internationally. Such a collective endeavor will also instill a sense of pride for and responsible actions by all citizens throughout the Vishwamitri watershed.
We expect your prompt and positive response in the interest of life, livelihood, and environment.

Comments

Post a Comment

TRENDING

Eight years of empowering tribal communities through water initiatives in Chhattisgarh

By Gazala Paul*   In the heart of Chhattisgarh, amidst the echoes of tribal life, a transformative journey has unfolded over the past eight years. The Samerth organization has diligently worked to elevate the lives of indigenous communities in the Kawardha district through the project, "Enabling Baiga Community to access safe drinking water." 
Post a Comment
More»

Towards 2024: Time for ‘We the People of India’ to wake up before it is too late

By Fr Cedric Prakash SJ*  It is Constitution Day once again! We, the people of India, gratefully remember 26 November 1949 when the Constitution of India was passed and adopted by the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly comprised women and men of distinction, who were able to represent the heart and soul of the people of India without fear or favour. They gave of their best, so that we may a visionary Constitution, which would be the mainstay for and of democracy in India!
Post a Comment
More»

Regretful: Kapil Dev retired not leaving Indian cricket with integrity he upheld

By Harsh Thakor  Kapil Dev scaled heights as an entertainer and a player upholding the spirit of the game almost unparalleled in his era. In his time he was cricket’s ultimate mascot of sportsmanship On his day Kapil could dazzle in all departments to turn the tempo of game in the manner of a Tsunami breaking in. He radiated r energy, at a level rarely scaled in his era on a cricket field. Few ever blended aggression with artistry so comprehenisively. Although fast medium, he could be as daunting with the ball as the very best, with his crafty outswinger, offcutter, slower ball and ball that kicked from a good length. Inspite of bowling on docile tracks on the subcontinent, Kapil had 434 scalps, with virtually no assistance. I can never forget how he obtained pace and movement on flat pancakes, trapping the great Vivian Richards in Front or getting Geoff Boycott or Zaheer Abbas caught behind. No paceman carried the workload of his team’s bowling attack on his shoulders in his eras muc
Post a Comment
More»

Critical factors that determine, contribute to the success and effectiveness of NGOs

By Rohit Rakshit  Over the last few years, I have been fortunate to work with numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across various states in the country. This experience has allowed me to gain insights into their diverse areas of work while also enabling me to analyze the key attributes that contribute to the success of a good NGO. According to my observations, the following are the critical factors that determine the effectiveness of an NGO.
Post a Comment
More»

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das*  India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on.
1 comment
More»

Martin Crowe played instrumental role in making New Zealand a force in world cricket

By Harsh Thakor* Late Martin Crowe was the perfect manifestation of how mere figures could not convey or do justice to the true merit of a batsman. Crowe was arguably the most complete  or majestic batsmen of his era or the ultimate embodiment of batting perfection, or the classical batsmen. He perished 7 years ago, due to a rare and aggressive form of cancer, follicular lymphoma, which originated in 2012. In September, we celebrated his 60th birthday but sadly he left for his heavenly abode.
Post a Comment
More»

Raising temperature of frozen foods by 3 degrees from -18°C to -15°C can slash carbon emissions: Study

By Payel Sannigrahi  Frozen food temperatures could be changed by just three degrees to save the carbon dioxide emissions of 3.8 million cars per year, research suggests. 
Post a Comment
More»

Odisha leadership crisis deepens: CM engages retired babus to oversee depts' work

By Sudhansu R Das  Over decades, Odisha has lost much of its crop diversity, fertile agriculture land, water bodies, employment potential, handicraft and handloom skills etc. The state has failed to strike a balance between the urban and rural sector growth; this leads to the migration of villagers to the urban areas leading to collapse of the urban infrastructures and an acute labor shortage in rural areas.  A large number of educated, skilled and unskilled Odia people have migrated to other states for higher education, quality jobs and for earning livelihood which plummet the efficiency level of government departments. Utmost transparency in the recruitment and promotion in the state government departments will improve governance mechanisms in the state.  "No near and dear one approach" in governance mechanisms can only achieve inclusive growth for the state on payment basis. This is a moral hazard. When so many educated young people seek employment outside the
Post a Comment
More»

Ceasefire a tactical victory for Palestinian resistance, protests intensify across globe

By Harsh Thakor*  The Zionist leadership and Netanyahu’s government were compelled to concede the defeat of their first attempt after almost 50 days of daily fighting in the Gaza Strip.  Netanyahu was forced to concede that he was unsuccessful in suppressing the Palestinian Resistance; and that the release of the prisoners was only plausible because they accepted Hamas’ terms.
Post a Comment
More»

1982-83 Bombay textile strike played major role in shaping working class movement

By Harsh Thakor  On January 18th, 1982 the working class movement commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Textile Workers Strike that lasted for 18 months, till July 1983. It was landmark event that played a major role in shaping the working class movement. With more than 2.5 lakh workers from 65 textile mills joining in this strike for almost two years, this strike became one of the most significant strikes in terms of scale and duration All democrats should applaud the mill workers’ united battle, and their unflinching resilience an death defying courage continues to serve as a model for contemporary working-class movements. Many middle class persons harboured opinions that the Textile workers were pampered or were a labour aristocracy, ignorant of how they were denied wages to provide for basic necessities. The Great Bombay Textile Strike is notably one of the most defining movements in the working class struggles in Post-independent India. Bombay’s textile industry flourished in
Post a Comment
More»