The Gujarat High Court has expressed grave dissatisfaction over the inadequate measures taken to address pollution in the Sabarmati River. The court’s ire was triggered by a video submission that allegedly showed under-treated industrial effluent being released into the river via the MEGA pipeline, prompting an urgent hearing on Monday.
The video, which was presented to the court, depicted foamy, discoloured water, raising immediate concerns about the quality of effluent treatment managed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). During the hearing, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Vaibhavi Nanavati interrogated the authorities about this apparent regulatory lapse. The court’s frustration was evident when it criticised the evasive responses from AMC and GPCB officials. Chief Justice Agarwal remarked, “This Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is aimed at preserving the Sabarmati River, yet it seems like you are engaged in a game of hide and seek.” The court demanded prompt action and ordered an immediate inspection of all common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), with a comprehensive report to be submitted by Friday.
Further scrutiny was directed at the GPCB’s real-time monitoring systems. Chief Justice Agarwal questioned the board’s assurances about compliance, stating, “You claim everything is in order, but are you truly monitoring the data from these CETPs?” The court also reprimanded AMC for failing to adhere to previous orders to oversee the quality of treated effluent discharged through the MEGA pipeline, which handles effluent from seven CETPs. The court’s dissatisfaction extended to the joint task force established in 2021 to monitor river pollution. The judges were critical of its lack of inspections and reporting over the past year. They emphasized that any industry failing to comply with environmental norms should face closure.
In response to the court’s orders, affidavits have been requested from the municipal commissioner, the GPCB’s regional officer, and the joint task force. The court’s stringent directives highlight its determination to address pollution and enforce regulatory compliance, underscoring the urgent need for effective environmental management in Gujarat’s key waterway.
