The Gujarat High Court has issued a stern warning to the city engineer and the board of wastewater management regarding the unabated pollution in the Sabarmati River.
Despite the court’s intervention three years ago, the judges lamented that there has been no discernible improvement in the river’s condition. Expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of concrete actions, the court threatened strict disciplinary action for dereliction of duty, emphasising that mere paperwork in response to the court’s rebuke is insufficient. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Vaibhavi Nanavati, directed the Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner to submit a monthly affidavit outlining the progress made towards achieving the targets outlined in the wastewater treatment blueprint. Rejecting the city’s plea to exempt the civic chief from this responsibility, the judges insisted on tangible evidence of genuine efforts before granting any concessions. They reiterated their lack of confidence in the authorities until substantial progress is demonstrated.
In addition to monitoring the city’s efforts, the court instructed the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) to file monthly affidavits detailing the AMC’s actions to prevent industrial discharge into the sewer system. This discharge has been identified as a significant contributor to the underperformance of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the region. Furthermore, the court reiterated its order to shut down any industrial units found illegally discharging effluents into the drainage system. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the judges proposed the establishment of a dedicated task force to address the pollution problem effectively. They criticised the AMC for attempting to shift responsibility onto the GPCB and emphasised the need for collaborative efforts. Additionally, the court mandated the joint task force (JTF) to identify the root causes of pollution, propose viable solutions, conduct regular inspections, and submit status reports to the court every three months. The court’s firm stance underscores the urgency of addressing the persistent pollution in the Sabarmati River and holds the concerned authorities accountable for taking concrete measures to mitigate environmental degradation.
