CPCB give directions to take necessary action in representation filed against the cleanliness work carried out at Vishwamitri river in Vadodara

Central Pollution Control Board give directions in reference to the representation from enviormentalist Rohit Prajapati in connection with the cleanliness drive undertaken by the Vadodara Mahanagar Seva Sadan at the Vishwamitri river bank. It directed the GPCB as nodal agency to examine the suggestions given by the applicant and also to take necessary action for ensunng compliance to NGT order dated 25 05 2021 passed in the afore-said matter.

VMSS has undertaken cleanliness work at the Vishwamitri river bank which was protested by enviornmentalists 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 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 represent 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 give Suggestions to stop the cleanliness activities immediately and work with them collectively in a more systematic way.

Based on that the CPCB give directions to examine the suggestions given by the applicant and also to take necessary action for ensunng compliance to NGT order dated 25 05 2021 passed in the afore-said matter. Rohit Prajapati said the officials will be visiting the site along with them in couple of days and have detailed investigation about their representations.

It is to be mentioned here that animal welfare organisations also raised the issue in view of the work damaging the nests of animals and lead to conflict between human and animal.