Latest news with #GSHRC-appointed
Time of India
25-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Study finds 51 outlets releasing sewage into Vishwamitri
Vadodara: With flood mitigation becoming a priority of the Vishwamitri project due to the unprecedented inundation caused by the city last year, the issue of pollution in the river seems to have taken a backseat. A study after the floods last year reveals that not only are there a large number of outlets releasing sewage water into the river, but the water from the river is also being drawn for irrigation purposes. The survey was done using a UAV (drone) and was the first of its kind conducted for the identification of outfall and lifting points in the river. The survey was conducted by a faculty member of the Pandit Deendayal Energy University for the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). The report lists 64 locations where either sewage water is being released into the Vishwamitri or is being lifted from it. At 51 locations, the survey recorded inlets into the river while water was being drawn at 13 places. The report observes that the inlets were of various types like circular pipes, rectangular or trapezoid outlets, and irregular ones. The report observed that the highest number of outfalls into the river were situated at locations that could be potentially linked to the larger presence of municipal areas resulting in a higher production of sewer waste. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Significant differences were also observed in the flow from the outlets during the day. This is believed to be a sign of time-dependent sewage disposal connected to municipal areas. The report also lists around 50 outfalls in the river by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC). The civic body did extensive drone surveys of the river for flood mitigation purposes when these outfalls were also identified. The findings in the report were recently included in the supplementary report of the committee appointed by the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) that includes activists, experts, and officials. Environmentalist and a member of the GSHRC-appointed committee, Rohit Prajapati, said that the discharge of sewage water was a violation of orders by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal. "This issue is not limited to Vadodara. It is an issue elsewhere in the state and the country too," he said. Prajapati added that a major reason was that sewage was not being treated properly. GPCB has also given notices to VMC over its sewage treatment plants.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Experts flag indiscriminate vegetation removal along Vishwamitri
Vadodara: The group of experts appointed by the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) to monitor the Vishwamitri river project has raised concerns over the indiscriminate removal of vegetation along the riverbanks. The group also noted that a comprehensive plantation plan for the river is yet to be developed. In its recent report submitted to the commission, the committee shared observations based on field visits, meetings with officials, and information provided by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) and other stakeholders. The report highlighted issues related to vegetation loss and riverbank stabilisation. It pointed out that vegetation had been unnecessarily removed from several areas along the riverbanks, even where there were no signs of debris or solid waste. This removal has resulted in steep to vertical slopes, making the banks vulnerable to erosion during the monsoon season. The report further noted that the clearing was carried out despite prior recommendations against disturbing such areas. A supplementary report later submitted by the group emphasized that several stretches on the eastern banks of the river had healthy vegetation and no visible debris. It recommended that these areas should remain untouched. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo At the same time, the report called for the systematic removal of invasive plant species along the river. The experts also noted the ecological importance of emergent and floating vegetation in the river, particularly for crocodile hatchlings. They advised that such vegetation should not be removed. The report added that biodiversity-rich islands have emerged in the river as a result of ongoing work and should be preserved. A high-level committee appointed by the state govt for flood mitigation in the city had earlier suggested initiating plantation efforts along the river. The GSHRC-appointed group echoed this recommendation but pointed out that, despite repeated suggestions, a scientifically designed plantation plan has yet to be prepared. The report recommended engaging an ecological consultant to develop, implement, and monitor such a plan in a systematic and scientific manner.
