NGT directs panel to probe illegal salt pits and borewells obstructing Luni river natural flow in Rann of Kutch
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stepped in to protect the natural flow of the Luni river in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch, forming a special committee to investigate large-scale encroachments. The directive follows concerns over illegal salt pits and borewells, which have disrupted the river’s movement, threatening water security and biodiversity in the region. Acting on a petition, the NGT’s Western Zonal Bench in Pune—comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Dr Vijay Kulkarni—issued notices to multiple government bodies, including the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), and the Central Ground Water Board. The tribunal has set a one-month deadline for the committee to conduct an on-ground inspection and identify those responsible for the unauthorised digging and embankment constructions that have altered the river’s course.
Unchecked Encroachments Worsen Ecological Imbalance
The unregulated excavation of salt pits and borewells, some as deep as 200 feet, has led to significant disruption in Luni river’s natural path. The petition, filed by environmental activist Kanaiyalal Rajgor, highlights how mud embankments as high as 15 feet have obstructed the river’s water from reaching the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK), a critical wildlife sanctuary. The LRK, home to endangered species, depends on seasonal water inflows, and any disruption threatens its delicate ecosystem. The petitioner also pointed out that a similar encroachment issue was addressed in 2014, but violations have resurfaced, indicating a systemic failure in enforcement. With Kutch being a drought-prone region, these obstructions further aggravate water scarcity, impacting not just biodiversity but also local communities dependent on groundwater recharge.
Legal and Civic Dimensions of the Case
The repeated failure of authorities to curb illegal activities in the region raises serious civic concerns. The construction of unauthorised embankments has worsened flooding in certain areas while depriving others of essential water supply, affecting both local agriculture and livestock. The NGT’s order puts government agencies under scrutiny, questioning why these encroachments were allowed to resurface despite previous interventions. Experts argue that illegal commercial salt mining in ecologically sensitive zones should be strictly regulated, as it not only threatens groundwater reserves but also weakens the resilience of the desert ecosystem. The committee’s findings could pave the way for stricter regulations and more accountable governance, ensuring that natural water systems are preserved for long-term sustainability.
A Sustainability Crisis: Balancing Industry and Ecology
The destruction of natural river courses in favour of commercial interests reflects a larger sustainability challenge in India’s arid regions. The Rann of Kutch plays a crucial role in groundwater replenishment, and its degradation poses long-term risks to water security. Sustainable development models must prioritise environmental conservation over short-term economic gains, ensuring that commercial activities like salt mining adhere to strict ecological guidelines. The NGT’s intervention signals the growing recognition of water bodies as vital natural assets, and its ruling could influence future policies on industrial expansion in environmentally sensitive areas.
With the tribunal’s one-month deadline, all eyes are now on the investigative panel’s findings. The case is not just about one river; it is a reflection of India’s ongoing struggle to balance development with environmental responsibility, a challenge that demands urgent and sustainable solutions.
