The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday stopped state authorities from changing any natural or artificial ponds, check dams or other water bodies in the state while granting interim relief in a PIL. The interim directions to the state authorities and chief town planner were issued by a two-judge bench of Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice Niral Mehta.
The PIL, which was filed by the NGOs Paryavaran Mitra and Ahinsa Mahasangh, had demanded a survey of all water bodies in urban spaces. The NGOs sought a complete list of waterbodies with details from authorities to be published in the official gazette. The PIL also sought the formation of an expert committee to take steps to increase the number of water bodies and green cover.
The PIL mentions that Gujarat has only 2% of the country’s water resources and 5% of the country’s population. Total water available in Gujarat is 50 billion cubic meters (BCM), with 38 BCM of surface water and 12 BCM of groundwater. It also mentions that the concerned authorities do not notify water bodies created for rainwater harvesting. Given that such a situation warrants the need for a major dependency on man-made water bodies, the protection of water bodies is of immediate priority, states the PIL.
The interim order of honorable Gujarat High Court is futuristic in its reach, restores hope and much needed balance in developmental activities.