Ulhas River Conservation
Project Statement
The River Ulhas, in Maharashtra, India, a perennial fresh water source supplying drinking water to Mumbai, has degenerated into a critically polluted drain due to discharges of industrial effluents as well as untreated sewage from adjoining Municipal Corporations,
Vanashakti
spearheaded extensive samplings and rigorous scientific analysis
to reveal the alarming levels of pollutants and severe contamination. When its
efforts to collaborate with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to
clean and restore the river were met with apathy, it took the case to the
National Green Tribunal (NGT). Directives compelling polluting industries
to cease operations were issued and initiatives taken to formulate
comprehensive restoration plans. In a landmark judgment, a collective
fine of Rs. 96 Crores was imposed on civic bodies and industrial associations
that were found liable. This judgment faced legal challenges and the case awaits
resolution in the Supreme Court. Pending the final disposal of the case, the
Hon`ble Supreme Court enhanced the penalty to Rs. 100 Crores.
Project Intervention
1. Samplings done at various locations. Analysis and research reveals startling amounts of pollutants.
2. Issue highlighted in the media.
3. Interactions with MPCB over two months reveal that the Board is not keen on helping to clean and revive the river.
4. Case moved to the NGT.
Project Outcome
1. NGT orders industries that are polluting to shut down.
2. IIT and NEERI ordered to give restoration plan.
3. State Environment Department constitutes committee with MPCB, IIT and Vanashakti as members to restore the river.
4. NGT in its judgement imposed a collective fine of Rs 100 Cr on various civic bodies and industrial associations. The judgement was challenged in the Bombay HC by the respondents. . We challenged the maintainability of this writ in the HC and subsequently moved the SC. Matter is pending at the SC.
