The Gujarat High Court has initiated action following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by residents of five villages in Patdi taluka, highlighting acute water scarcity issues.
The court, under the stewardship of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha Mayee, has directed the secretary of the water resources department and the collector of Surendranagar to provide responses regarding the feasibility of supplying Narmada water to these drought-affected villages. The petitioners underscored the severity of the situation, emphasising the insufficient water supply for both human and livestock consumption, particularly evident in the dwindling water levels of the village pond. In response to the pressing concerns raised by the villagers, the court is urging swift action to address the imminent challenges posed by the impending summer season.
While the petitioners’ legal representative was unavailable to present arguments, the court has taken a proactive approach by instructing the government lawyer to solicit responses from the designated authorities by April 9. The court’s decision to seek input from the water resources department secretary and the Surendranagar collector underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency for a comprehensive solution. Furthermore, the court has indicated its willingness to consider issuing formal notices to the concerned authorities based on the responses received. This proactive stance demonstrates the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and rights of citizens, particularly in critical matters concerning access to essential resources like water.
The PIL serves as a catalyst for collaborative action between the judiciary and administrative authorities to address the pressing water scarcity issues plaguing these villages. By leveraging legal mechanisms and governmental accountability, the court aims to facilitate prompt intervention and sustainable solutions to alleviate the hardships faced by the affected communities. As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders are hopeful that the court’s intervention will pave the way for tangible measures to enhance water accessibility and mitigate the adverse impacts of drought conditions. The collaborative efforts between the judiciary, government, and local communities underscore the collective commitment to safeguarding the fundamental rights and well-being of all citizens.
