Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) gave directions in reference to the representation from environmentalist Rohit Prajapati in connection with the cleanliness drive undertaken by the Vadodara Mahanagar Seva Sadan (VMSS) at the Vishwamitri river bank. It directed the GPCB as a nodal agency to examine the suggestions given by the applicant and also to take necessary action for ensuring compliance with the NGT order.
VMSS has undertaken cleanliness work at the Vishwamitri river bank which was protested by environmentalists and animal lovers as they felt the current activity of using heavy machinery (JCB etc.) has caused severely destructive damage to the Vishwamitri river and its environs. The significant wild flora and fauna, including scheduled species like the Mugger crocodile and the turtle, and innumerable other amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, and microscopic organisms are found in the Vishwamitri River habitats. As it’s the breeding season it can lead to human-animal conflict.
Based on that Rohit Prajapati represented the matter to the CPCB stating the activities are in violation of the various orders, directions, and acts, specifically ‘The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972’ and the NGT Order dated 25.05.2021. They also gave suggestions to stop the cleanliness activities immediately and work with them collectively in a more systematic way.
Based on that the CPCB gave directions to examine the suggestions given by the applicant and also to take necessary action for ensuring compliance to NGT order dated 25 05 2021 passed in the afore-said matter. Rohit Prajapati said that the officials will be visiting the site along with them in a couple of days and have a detailed investigation about their representations.
It is to be mentioned here that animal welfare organizations also raised the issue in view of the work damaging the nests of animals which may lead to conflict between humans and animals.
