The Madhya Pradesh High Court has recently emphasized the necessity for coordinated action among the Gwalior Municipal Corporation, the State Government, and the Central Government to rejuvenate the Swarn Rekha River. The court highlighted the importance of synchronizing efforts and, if necessary, leveraging central initiatives like the Namami Gange Project to achieve this environmental objective.
Background of the Public Interest Litigation
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed seeking the revival of the Swarn Rekha River, a vital watercourse in Gwalior that has suffered significant ecological degradation over the years. The river's decline has been attributed to unchecked pollution, encroachments, and inadequate waste management practices, leading to a substantial reduction in water flow and quality. Recognizing the river's critical role in the region's ecology and the well-being of its residents, the High Court took cognizance of the matter to facilitate its restoration.
Court's Directives and Observations
In its order dated January 29, 2025, the division bench comprising Justice Anand Pathak and Justice Hirdesh underscored the non-adversarial nature of the PIL, urging all stakeholders to collaborate effectively. The court stated, "As repeatedly referred by this Court that this Public Interest Litigation is not an adversarial litigation and all parties have to share a common platform, therefore, this Court is of the view that Municipal Corporation Gwalior, State Government, its different departments and Central Government shall have to synchronise their working in respect of present case." The bench further suggested that the Central Government should cooperate under the Namami Gange Project or any other relevant scheme, provided the State Government submits the necessary applications and documentation.
Progress and Implementation Efforts
Previously, on November 26, 2024, the court had directed the Gwalior Municipal Corporation to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) concerning the installation of sewer lines within a month. The Municipal Corporation complied by presenting the DPR as instructed. Subsequently, on January 16, 2025, the court mandated the immediate commencement of revival efforts for the Swarn Rekha River, emphasizing the urgency of initiating preliminary measures such as installing iron mesh to prevent waste disposal into the river. By January 29, the Municipal Corporation reported progress in this regard, indicating that iron mesh installations were underway in areas prone to significant waste intrusion.
Preventive Measures and Public Participation
The court also highlighted the necessity of implementing mechanisms to prevent the public from disposing of waste into the riverbed. It emphasized that once the sewage lines are constructed and fresh water from sources like Veerpur Bandh and Hanuman Bandh is introduced, maintaining cleanliness will be paramount to the river's successful revival. The bench noted, "Respondents are expected to ensure suitable mechanism so that people may not throw filth/wastes in river bed because once the sewage line is constructed and fresh water... starts pouring in, then river would be revived and such filth/waste ought not to come in way of cleanliness."
Administrative Coordination and Future Steps
The counsel representing the Municipal Corporation informed the court that the Commissioner had communicated with the Engineer-in-Chief, Public Works Department, seeking assistance in the river's revival efforts. This correspondence underscores the need for inter-departmental collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges involved in the restoration process. The court's directives aim to ensure that all relevant governmental bodies work in unison, pooling resources and expertise to rejuvenate the Swarn Rekha River effectively.
Conclusion
The Madhya Pradesh High Court's proactive stance in directing synchronized efforts among municipal, state, and central authorities reflects a comprehensive approach to environmental restoration. By advocating for collaborative action and the utilization of existing governmental schemes, the court aims to restore the Swarn Rekha River to its former vitality, ensuring ecological balance and improved quality of life for the residents of Gwalior.
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